Page 42 of Brake's Intent

“Someone want to start explaining what I’m missing?” Rory snarls. “What happened to my sister?”

“What happened is a lot of shit we can’t tell you, but what I can is that we’ve all been through a fuckin’ nightmare, and yesterday was the worst of it. You bringing Gilroy here was simply the icing on the cake,” Lawson growls, looking in my brother’s and Finn’s direction.

“What does that mean?” Finn argues. “If it has to do with Faye, then it is my business.”

“Not anymore,” Lawson states firmly. “Faye is married to Brake and me. Making her our business. We don’t answer to you. I especially don’t. I may have a truce with Dean and we agree on things, but that doesn’t mean I will allow you to demand shit.”

“Lawson,” I whisper, pressing my hands against his chest to get his attention before he goes off the handle. When his eyes lower to meet mine, I watch as the anger fades. “Please don’t.”

“Baby,” he grunts and lowers his head to press against my forehead.

“Where’s Brake and the others?” I ask.

“They went to handle some business,” he answers and lifts his head, eyes meeting mine once again. “I don’t know what was in your head when I walked in, but you don’t have anything to worry about. You did what you had to do, just as I did, and Brake did. I’m sure everyone in this room would agree with you on it being the right decision.”

“Completely agree it was the right decision,” Angelina says, getting my attention.

“Same,” Tiny speaks up from next to her. She must have come in during my panic. “Faye, I know what you did and why you did it. We all do. The men share,” she says and looks to my brother and Finn for a brief second as if she’s calculating what she’s about to say before bringing her eyes back to me. “Women like us, we have to be strong. Whether we see ourselves that way or not. We need to make sure nothing comes at those we love. Our men, kids, and family. We do what we have to, to ensure what we can. I killed a woman when she shot Chains. I nearly lost him that day. But he’s here. Alive, and I don’t miss even a moment of sleep because of what I did. She was a psycho bitch who needed to be put down.”

I listen and nod, seeing that she knows and understands. All of these women understand. I give them all a small smile, lean into Lawson, and sigh. “Thank you.”

“I’m not going to ask because I’m sure I already know now,” Rory grumbles and comes up to my other side.

I spin and face him as Lawson wraps an arm around my shoulders and holds me against his front while I meet my brother’s gaze then Finn’s.

“Just want you happy,” Rory says smiling at me. “You’ve got that here. I can see that, and I’m happy for you. But remember, you’ll always be my little sister, and I want you to know I’ll always protect you.” Lifting his gaze, he looks at Lawson. “Hurt her. Either you or Brake, and I’ll gut you.”

“Don’t worry, neither of us plans ever to hurt her,” Lawson says and presses a kiss to my forehead.

Nodding, Rory looks at Finn. “Let’s get out of here. I want to get some beignets before we head back home.”

“Good idea. If I didn’t bring any of those damn things back, Olivia would have my ass.” Finn chuckles, making me grin.

I turn back to Lawson as Finn and Rory make their way out of the kitchen and give him a small smile. “Are you sure Brake’s okay? He didn’t hurt himself again?”

“Baby, he’s fine. His brothers have his back. He’s just handling something and will be back soon,” he says assuringly.

“What is he handling?” I ask.

“All I can say is he’s sending a message, and that’s it. The rest is up to the club to tell, but I’ll inform you that you’re not to go anywhere without either of us with you. I won’t take the chance of losing you. And neither will Brake. You’re it for us.”

“And you both are it for me,” I whisper and stand. “Now, take me to bed. I want to be ready when Brake gets back.”

Lawson chuckles and lifts me off my feet while the ol’ ladies make catcall sounds as he carries me out of the kitchen. I don’t know what’s going to happen next, but I intend to be here for both my men in any way I can and connecting with both Lawson and Jax is one way I can do it so that we all feel each other in a way that’s beautiful.

I’m sure the dark is coming for us all and to keep lightness alive for them, I’ll do whatever it takes.

Ela, Tiny, and the others are all such strong women and now having heard some of their stories, I want to think I can be strong like them. Be strong for Brake and Lawson. Be what they need, no matter if I see it or not.

CHAPTERTWENTY-FIVE

BRAKE

I didn’t know exactly how I’d have my fun with Gilroy, but I went with it. Breaker had given me a syringe, and I didn’t care. I wanted to see Gilroy’s reaction to the mercury and damn if it didn’t feel good. The sight of his eyes bulging, and he realized what I was doing to him. For satisfaction, I decided to enjoy a bit of fun and stabbed the bastard for good measure.

Once I knew he was dead, I knew where I’d dispose of him. Bart’s got enough to satisfy him. This wasn’t just to get rid of him but to send a message.

With my brothers’ help, we get him loaded onto an airboat, and all of us climb into both boats.

---