“Ava…” It was difficult for me to even say her name.
Luc and Pa exchanged curious glances.
“What about her?” Pa asked. His features softened. I hadn’t spoken about her in years, and he knew the story too.
There was, however, one thing that I’d never voiced to anyone. It was my suspicion over one of my guys being a rat. So many years had passed, and I was still trying to figure it out.
“If shit goes down, I need someone who I trust to take care of her,” I confessed.
“And do you not trust your men?” Pa quirked a brow.
“Not for something like this.”
“I’ll look after her,” Luc offered.
I snapped my head around to face him, surprised by his words. “You would?”
“You know I would, brother. I don’t need to remind you of all you did when my doll was in trouble. She’d be dead if not for you.” He nodded.
No one needed a reminder of that whole saga. Raphael and that whole mad shit. I’d saved Amelia from being taken by Victor the first time he’d tried to take her. That crazy son of a bitch had come back from the dead and teamed up with the worst motherfuckers known to man.
“You know I didn’t do it so I could call a favor from you.”
“We don’t do shit like that, Claudius. When the people we love need protection, we have each other. Just give me a heads up when the shit starts to fly.” He chuckled.
It was amazing how I suddenly felt more at ease.
“Let’s see what’sthe whatfirst."
That meant the whole team on research. I had to admit I did love this part of the job. I liked the idea of having so much power at my beck and call. The secret squad and our associates, links with the CIA and feds I’d inherited with the business.
I could almost bet, though, that Ava would frown on it. It was too much power.
I wouldn’t even entertain the possibility of her being mine ever again, but if she was, I’d give her everything. I’d give her everything but keep her out of the darkness of my world.
That might just be a wish my heart wanted. Her face yesterday had been …
It said everything.
I couldn’t claim to have any kind of feelings for her and not want the best for her. I’d done too much. Done way too much.
I didn’t stay much longer after talking to Luc and Pa.
I thought I’d get an early night, then head to the workshop in the morning and start on the new bike.
However, the minute I pulled up on my drive and saw the little yellow Miata, heat rushed through me. That was Ava’s car. It was super late, verging on midnight.
Was she really here? Or was my damn mind playing tricks on me?
Maybe I’d lost it wanting her so badly, and now I was hallucinating.
I jumped off my bike, not bothering to park up properly, and rushed into the house.
I found her curled up on the sofa in the sitting room watching one of those classic shows I hated.
It wasBewitched.
I only knew because she’d indulged in that and other shows like it when we were together.
