Page 76 of Forgive Me For I Have Sinned

Silence.

CHAPTER 29

Alaric

Walking out the back patio, I reach the fire pit out back. Garret is the first to spot me. "Dude, this house is sick. You slaughter anything, and no one would know."

I had it built on the edge of Kenyan when I bought the land as an investment. No one knew this house existed until now. It was the best place to take Veronica from the diner. Adam texted me what happened when Dorian showed up.

"That's not why I bought it, but if you're thinking like that, I suggest getting checked out with Dr. Wick."

"Touché'"

I notice Valen rubbing the side of his face. I smile, having a good idea. "What happened?"

"I think the blind date was a bad idea," he grimly says.

Draven chuckles. "I told you not to grab her like that. She packs a punch."

"At least I didn't play Closer like a psycho in the car on the way here with a hood on her head. Way to go, dick. You fucking scared the shit out of her. She's a cutter."

"She hit you?" I ask Valen to change the subject. I don't want anyone to think she is weak.

"Yeah, man. Look!" He points to the side of his face, moving into the light of the fire. It's red and will leave a bruise.

"He got slapped," Garret says, pointing to Adam.

I glance at Adam; sure enough, he has a red handprint on his face.

"That's what I get for lying to her."

I feel bad for him because he is a good friend to her, but he's one of us. My mother and grandfather's idea. I wasn't surprised my mother set that up. She was always fond of Veronica and Alicia's relationship. I was just too stupid with my head up my ass regarding Veronica. I wanted her but hated what they made her represent, and it was all a lie.

"We had to come out here," Valen says.

"You needed to come out here. I was fine hearing them go at it," Draven says.

Veronica is very vocal in bed.

"Dude, is it always like that?" Adam asks.

"No. Only with him," Draven replies.

Good. At least Draven stroked my ego burning with curiosity.

"Where's Reid and Dravin?" I ask.

"With the girls."

They got Adam up to speed on most of the details with Veronica. He's aware of my plan. They all are. I get goosebumps thinking about her.

"You finally fell, huh," Valen says with a smirk. "You're in love with the little hellfire."

I am, but the look in her eyes tells me she can't say the words back. I don't expect her to for all the reasons she shouldn't. Sometimes damaged people can't feel how you want them to because you have to put them back together differently. I have to be patient with her, and I'll do whatever it takes.

Draven scoffs, rolling his eyes. "It's about time. You always carried a torch for her."

But I don't miss the hurt look on Garret's face when he looks around and licks his lips, avoiding everyone's gaze. He'll get over it.

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