Page 95 of Hawk
He kissed my cheek and whispered, “How are you holding up?”
“I’m good. What time do we need to leave to pick up the kids?”
“We have a little bit of time,” he explained and turned his attention back to the group.
“I was thinking ribs with all the sides and some of your desserts,” Gunner said to Sadie, who was sitting next to him on the bench. “I told the brothers to keep the club girls to a minimum tonight, but you know them.”
“Free pussy is free pussy,” Sadie returned, and the group laughed.
I joined in, feeling freer than I ever had. I was with a group of women who understood what I’d lived through and a group of men who literally killed to protect them. Then sat my brother. The man who brought those wounded women to these men and continued to shelter them from the ugliness of the world.
As I watched my brother dote on his very pregnant wife, I realized fully that he wasn’t like Papa. He was like Mama, always making sure everyone around him was okay, even if it meant putting himself last.
I squeezed Colton’s hand and stood from my seat before walking over to Devlin. He glanced up at me with a questioning look, and I leaned over, hugging myself to him deeply.
The conversation around us stopped, and when I pulled back from him, I explained, “I’m sorry for ever thinking badly about you. You never deserved that, and I hope you know how proud I am of you and everything you’ve accomplished. You’ve done well for yourself, big brother, and I’m honored to call you my family.”
“I love you, little angel. I’m so happy you’re home and that you have such a good and honorable man watching your back. Seeing Hawk make you happy makes me happy,” Devlin said, and I pecked his cheek.
Elise sat beside him, tears filling her eyes, and as I met her gaze, she mouthed ‘thank you’ to me. I could tell she was worried about us making amends, and I wanted them both to know there were no hard feelings.
As I retook my seat next to Colton, I began to think about the things I saw during my time with Adrik and had to wonder.
Did I actually see what I thought I saw, or was it all part of the nightmare that I let twist my memories? Did Lucian really rape that girl in a room full of his men, or was that something I’d created to protect myself from the onslaught of pain and abuse?
Then I remembered seeing the young girl crying in the bedroom later that night and knew what I’d seen was real. But was it the truth, or another trick to save someone’s soul?
There was no way to tell, but if Lucian ever showed his face around me, I would give him exactly five minutes to explain before I sank a knife into his gut.
After all, if he was a monster, he deserved to die with the rest of them.
Chapter 31
Hawk
I’m glad Stella had some time to bond with the ladies. Having heard most of the stories from the ladies or their old men at various times, I’d hoped Stella could open up a little more. The more comfortable she was here, the longer she would stay, and if I had my way, she would soon be riding the back of my bike with her cut proclaiming her as mine.
The brothers and I, along with Devlin, mapped out a plan for uncovering Lucian’s dirty secrets. James was on speakerphone, working his magic, as the information was discussed from every angle. I could tell Devlin was struggling with what he’d learned, especially after spending the last few months working side-by-side to find Stella. They’d started to bury the hatchet, but now, I was afraid the madman would sink it into Lucian’s back if given the chance.
All conversations ceased when we saw the ladies walk out from their breakfast gathering. Hailey had her head rested on Stella’s shoulder as they walked, and from the look on Stella’s face, some of the intense weight was lifted from her conscious.
Rose and Jackal stood from the table and Rose said, “We’re going to run by the store before picking up Iris. Can I get anything for tonight, Sadie?”
“I’ve got a prospect picking everything up, so I think we’re good,” Sadie replied and stood to hug Rose.
Making the rounds around the table, Rose hugged all the ladies, and when she got to Stella, I could hear her whisper to her, “Whenever you need to talk, I’m always around.”
“Thank you,” Stella responded and smiled at Rose. “I’d love to read your book if you can tell me where to get a copy.”
“I’ll bring one back tonight,” Rose replied as Jackal took her hand into his and they turned to leave.
I looked at Stella and asked, “Do you still want to go with me to get Matthew and Anna?”
“I promised them I would, if you still want me to.”
Leaning closer, I kissed her softly. “Of course, I want you to go. I want you with me every second of every day.”
“Get a room,” Devlin joked as he helped Elise to her feet.
