Page 52 of Reaper
He looks like he wants to beat my ass, but I don’t care.
“What the fuck needed to be done.”
He shakes his head. “Clubhouse! Now!” he shouts over the rev of his engine, then takes off.
I guess I’m in for a reprimand. He may even take my patch, but I don’t give a fuck. Paris is safe, and that’s all that matters.
Paris
“Haveyoutalkedtohim at all?”
I shake my head, trying to push down the heartbreak. I don’t want to have this conversation. But I know sooner rather than later, either Alana or Oya would ask questions about Logan. I’m sure their old men, as they call them, told them there is something going on between us and how it ended badly.
“No. I don’t think he wants to have anything to do with me, which is fine. I’m leaving next week. It wouldn’t have worked out, anyway.”
Alana came over about an hour ago, for a little girl time as she called it. Delicious take out, and good company is what I’ve been looking for. However, I think she’s just worried I’m not doing well after the run in with my brother and Logan. But, with time, I’m doing a little better. And with the news of Oleg’s death, I feel like I can breathe a little and won’t have to look over my shoulder. Now all that’s left is to get out of town.
“I understand that Paris, but you have feelings for him.”
“That doesn’t matter.”
“It does. You’ve been through something traumatic, and he brings you peace. And he has feelings for you too, no matter how much he wants to deny it or push you away. I’ve seen the change in him since you’ve been around. Logan has become a different person.”
“I wish it were different, but things work out the way they should, Alana. I can’t stop my life for him, and I refuse to.” I shrug. “He can’t let go of his past so it’s time to move on. I’ve got a second chance at life, I can’t wait around for him to catch up.”
She sighs. “So, you’ve made your decision?”
I can’t help but smile because even though I have to leave Logan behind, I’m looking forward to seeing what Seattle is all about.
“I have, and I got my dream job, Alana. I can’t believe it. It’s in the field I was trying to get my degree in. They even offered to pay for my first month’s rent, utilities, and it comes completely furnished.”
“Um, that’s amazing, Paris. I’m so happy for you.”
I see the concern on her face. I thought it sounded too good to be true too when I got the offer. For someone with experience in the field only being in education, I believed I was getting scammed. But after a long conversation with their HR department, as well as doing my research on the company, I accepted the job.
I have to take a leap of faith.
“I know. It sounds too good to be true right?”
“You can say that.” She sighs but then smiles. “I’m really glad you found something. But you know you don’t have to leave right? Even if you’re not with Logan, you’re still family.”
I grasp her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “I know that, but I need new scenery. Too much has gone on here for me to be truly happy. A fresh start will be good for me. That doesn’t meanI’m not going to miss you, Oya, Tongue, and even Logan, but Oakland is no longer my home. It’s time for me to go.”
“I just want to make sure you’re not leaving because things didn’t work out with Logan.”
“It’s not. Even if things had worked out, I would still have to leave. This isn’t my home anymore. I don’t feel like I can thrive here, so I know it’s best I try to make a fresh start somewhere else.”
“If you’re happy, then I’m happy. But don’t be shocked if you get a surprise visit or two from me when you get settled.”
I laugh. “I’ll hold you to that.”
I’m not trying to cut anyone out of my life, including Logan. But this is a fresh start for me. I need to do this. I can’t put my life on hold for a man who can’t even admit he wants something more with me. Even I know I’m worth more than that.
Reaper
Oneweeklater…
Her bags are packed and sitting next to the front door of my condo. It’s like the final nail is being hammered into my coffin. The black heart I thought would never beat again, is shattering into a million pieces after being shocked back to life.
