Page 52 of Filthy Royal

“Fuck. Yes, I trust that.” Damien reached for her, then stopped himself, his hand dropping to curl by his side. “I won’t let you down again.”

“We’ll see.” She unlocked the door and, opening it as little as possible, slipped through.

* * *

Damien

Guilt churned through Damien. Shame too. He’d hurt her. Let her down. Made her doubt him and their chance for a future together.

He could easily imagine his brothers’ disgust. He’d shown none of the discipline, cunning, or charm they possessed. Instead, he’d acted like the youngling she’d accused him of being.

He wasn’t sure what sickened him more. The way he’d let rage, jealousy, and aggression rule him as he spewed hurtful things at her. Or that he’d allowed himself to get into this position in the first place.

He shut the door behind him.

They should have run when Scarlett suggested it, but he’d let pride and ego allow him to risk the most important thing in his life.

That would never happen again.

He needed to trust her—and stop letting his bullshit about coming from nothing and needing to prove he could be something get in their way.

All he’d proven was that he was an idiot.

Tonight, he’d fix things with her. Apologize and promise to control himself from here on out. Then he’d ask her what she wanted.

If running was what she preferred, he’d do it gladly.

He didn’t need the rep, the glory, or even the money, though the latter would have been nice.

But without Scarlett, none of it mattered.

He and his brothers would find some other way to meet their goals. It wasn’t as if they weren’t used to being in the hot seat. Hells, they worked best under pressure. They’d figure out another way to get into the Brotherhood or they’d blow the whole damned crime organization to smithereens.

Whatever it took.

Because having Scarlett with him and keeping her safe was most important.

From now on, ego was out the door. Pride too.

His omega came first.

That was being a real Alpha. The kind of male his brothers, and he, could be proud of.

He’d been such a stupid fuck, but even a bruiser with more brawn than smarts could learn.

And maybe he was young and still a little volatile—his Alpha aggression not entirely under control yet—but he’d figure out how to leash it and fast.

He wanted to be an Alpha who not only brought pleasure and a smile to Scarlett’s face but one she could also rely on. Someone to be her shelter and her protector in every scenario, not just when it suited his wants and needs.

He’d been such an arrogant Alphahole, but he was—

A blurred fist swung at his head. So fast, there was no time to duck.

Lights out.

* * *

Scarlett

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