Page 40 of Dark Seduction

Mack offers a small, appreciative smile, her eyes glistening with emotion. “What would I do without you?”

I lean in closer, gently brushing a strand of hair away from her face. “Lucky for you. You don’t have to worry about that. I’m not going anywhere.”

As we sit together in the quiet apartment, our hearts heavy with the weight of the unknown, I can’t help but hope that our trio will find a way to navigate the challenges ahead and emerge stronger than ever. In the darkness of that moment, our bond remains unbroken, a testament to the love and resilience that binds us together.

Suddenly, the door creaks open, and I turn my head to see V standing there, his expression solemn and his shoulders slumped. His eyes meet mine briefly before shifting to Mack beside me. The weight of his absence, even for a few hours, had been palpable, and the relief of his return washes over me.

Without a word, V steps further into the room, closing the door behind him. He takes a deep breath, his gaze never leaving Mack’s, and then he speaks, his voice tinged with remorse. “I’m sorry,” he says, his words heavy with sincerity. “I shouldn’t have left like that.”

Mack and I exchange a quick glance, our emotions still raw from the evening’s turmoil. Mack is the first to respond, her voice tinged with both relief and concern. “I’m just glad you’re back. Are you okay?”

V nods, his gaze dropping to the floor momentarily before he meets her eyes again. “I needed some time to process everything,” he admits. “But I shouldn’t have walked out on you guys like that.”

I can see the conflict in Mack’s expression as she searches V’s face for any sign of how he’s truly feeling. “I get it. It’s a lot to take in,” she says gently. “But we’re in this together, all three of us. We can figure it out, no matter what.”

V lets out a shaky breath, and his shoulders seem to relax slightly. “I know,” he replies, his voice quieter but more determined. “I had a son. His name was Braden, and he was the most perfect baby I’ve ever seen. He was my whole fucking world. And then he died in my arms.”

The revelation hangs heavy in the air as V finishes speaking. His confession about losing his baby has left us both stunned. The room feels colder, as if the weight of his painful memories has permeated the very atmosphere.

I exchange a glance with Mack, our eyes mirroring the mix of sympathy and understanding that courses between us. It’s clear that V has been carrying this burden for a long time, and the depth of his pain is immeasurable.

Mack is the first to find her voice, her tone soft and filled with empathy. “V,” she begins, her words careful and measured, “I can’t even imagine how difficult that must have been for you. I’m so sorry for your loss.”

V nods, his eyes filled with emotion as he takes a deep breath to steady himself. “Thank you,” he says, his voice quivering with vulnerability. “It’s been... it’s been a long time, but it never really goes away, you know?”

I can see the pain etched across his face, and my heart aches for him. I reach out and place a reassuring hand on his shoulder, offering silent support, bound by the ties of love and understanding.

V continues, his voice growing steadier as he opens up a bit more. “After losing my son, I made a promise to myself that I would never go through that kind of pain again. I swore off the idea of having another child. It’s why I reacted the way I did earlier.”

Mack nods, her compassion unwavering. “I get it. I do. And we don’t have to decide anything right now. Let’s just take things one step at a time and figure out how we want to move forward. And if I decide to keep this baby, I promise I won’t blame you for walking away.”

V’s eyes meet hers, and for a moment, there’s a flicker of hope in his gaze, as if he’s realizing that he doesn’t have to face his past pain alone. “Thank you,” he repeats, this time with a sense of gratitude that cuts through the darkness of his memories.

I look at them both, happy that things have worked out so quickly. And then I replay what Mack had just said.

“What do you mean if you decide to keep this baby?”

MACK

Burnt’shovering started immediately while V had processed our news more slowly. After he explained his reaction, I knew giving him space to process would be best for us all. I just didn’t know with that decision would come with Burnt mothering hen me for the both of them. Every morning, he shows up with breakfast. A new recipe he’d found online for pregnancy. Thankfully, prepared by someone else. Who I did not know, but most days it is edible.

I know that Burnt means well, but his overprotectiveness is driving me insane. Every time I try to get up and do something, he insists I sit back down and rest. It was like he thought pregnancy is some sort of debilitating disease, and that I am on the verge of collapsing at any moment.

While I appreciate the enthusiasm, his hovering is getting to be a bit too much. I need my independence. Now that he was a patched member of the club, he is free to roam. Apparently, he took that new perk a little seriously and parks his ass at the garage every single day since.

“Get away from me,” I threaten. “I’m fine.”

“These paint fumes can’t be good for the ba...,” he starts before I press a gloved finger to his lips. “Finish that sentence, and I’ll make your bike so bright pink, even Homer Simpson would blush.”

The last thing I need Judge to find out is that I’m pregnant a month into the job. After some intense web searching, and a few phone calls to other ladies in the industry. I’d come up with a plan. A better respirator, more breaks, and knowing my limits. Other than that, until a doctor told me otherwise, I can still work.

“But,” he murmurs against my finger.

“I’m fine. I’m wearing a respirator,” I remind him. “You read the same reviews, I did. I’m safe.”

V watches from his garage bay, shaking his head at Burnt’s mother hen act.

“Go sit down,” I order him.

---