Page 31 of Obliterate

In this world, I believe children should grow up to be whoever they want, not what their parents force on them. And I saw that with Romeo. I merely wanted him to know he had the power to choose his life. And in a way, I am glad I was able to help him see he had a choice to step out from under Angus’ domineering path. Because the Lord knows that man was no good for him.

I still have no clue why Reaper was best friends with him. I loved that man, but some of his decisions were questionable. He was a good father and stepfather to Novah and Nash. And he led the club well while grooming Hurricane to be the next leader.

Deep down, Reaper was a good man, and when he died, a part of me died along with him.

That willneverchange.

But there’s something about South that makes me feel like he could bring that part of me back to life.

I think that’s what scares me the most.

I thought I was done.

I had two loves in my life.

Both of them turned out incredibly bad in two different ways.

The first—the asshole left me for another family.

The second—he died.

So, I gave up hope of ever finding ‘that someone’ to share my life with again.

I never thought for a single second it could be with a much younger man and one whom I had already met when he was a teenager. I mean, it’s complicated, right?

But when I look at South now, he’s not that teenager anymore—he’s nothing like him—South is all man with his long hair, beard, muscular body, and tattoos on every surface I can see. The guy could pass for Jason Momoa at a quick glance.

He’s probably the single sexiest man I’ve ever had the privilege of kissing. And I can tell you, the way my body reacted when he kissed me, I mean, I know I’d just been through something, and maybe my emotions were heightened, but that kiss wasepic.

I have never been so overwhelmed in all my life.

Needless to say, the emotions got on top of me, and I had to kick him out. I needed time to process after I found out who he was—who he is. He knew who I was all along, and he said nothing. I don’t know how that sits with me.

This whole thing has been messing with my head. Which, in a way, is a good thing because it’s distracting me from the other very real problem playing out in my life right now.

As I pull the ice pack from my breast, I lean back onto the sofa and let out a heavy sigh. “What are you doing with your life, Ingrid?” I murmur as my cell alerts me to an incoming text.

Tossing the ice pack onto the sofa, I reach for my cell and pick it up, seeing South’s name flashing across the screen. It’s the first time he has messaged me since he left. I guess he was trying to give me space, but I must admit, seeing his name on my screen makes my stomach tighten in knots.

I just can’t tell if it’s good or bad ones yet.

Swiping the screen, I open my messages.

South:Hey, I’ve been trying to give you some space, but I just need to know if you’re doing okay. Is there anything I can do for you? Are you feeling all right? Are you still keeping your ice packs up? If you need me to pop by today to help out or to grab some groceries, just let me know. I won’t make it awkward… promise.

Smiling at how much of a good guy he is, I pull up his number and call him. It rings twice, and then he answers. “Hey, angel, you miss me that much?” His cocky tone causes me to laugh.

“What happened to not making it awkward?”

He chuckles. “Right, sorry. I’ll start again. Hey, how you doing? You okay?”

“I’m good. And in answer to your questions, yes, I was literally just icing. Thanks for asking about groceries, but I should be good. As for popping by… you doing anything for lunch today?”

He’s quiet for a moment, then answers, “Not currently. You have something in mind?”

“I wanna get out of the house. Go somewhere nice for lunch. Forget about all the bullshit for a few hours and eat some decent food. You think you can take me somewhere?”

“You asking me out on a date, Ingrid?” He chuckles.

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