“Dom believed me. He has friends on the force. He gave them his word that I was solid. Then he mentioned I served in the marines, and that did it for them.”
She nods, this slow up and down. “Dom is a good man.”
“He is, sweetness.”
“Does José know?”
“I asked. They said they haven’t had the chance.”
“Will you tell him?”
“I’m planning on it.” I take her hands in mine. “This is the important part. Look, I don’t like asking for help, especially from people who’d rather I rot somewhere in a dark corner without the use of my limbs and get eaten by rodents?—”
She stops my next words with her finger on my mouth.
“Is this from experience?” She squeezes her eyes shut. “Please don’t say ‘something like that.’”
“No, baby. This is from one of the horror movies I watched without you.”
Her eyes open. “Thank goodness.”
“When I went to get permission from your father and spilled about what happened, I asked for his advice.”
“He’s in prison for murder!”
“I know, baby, but you love him, and that tells me he’s a good man.” I bypass her glare and continue. “He told me essentially what you said. That I’m not an island. I need help from your brother and his crew. Someone spread those rumors. They started circulating a few months ago. This person is either getting the cops to look at me, or they’re hoping I’m so pissed I’ll out myself and admit I was there with Carlos.”
“But you were.”
“No one knew Carlos and me were in that part of Alexandria that night except for Slate. Did he say anything to you?”
“No.” Her voice is soft. Her expression is contemplative. “He told me he was going to Alexandria, but didn’t give specifics. He said he’d call later.” She shakes her head. “Tyler came over the next morning. I couldn’t understand why he made the two-hour drive. Then he told me.”
A strangled cry escapes her trembling lips. I hold her tightly to me and rub her back. Nothing I say will comfort her, but I try.
“He loved you, Ever. They both do. Damn it, José, the crew, they all love you. I love you.” I smooth my hand over her hair. “You are one strong woman grieving the loss of your mother and Carlos.”
“Don’t die.” She edges away from me. “I can’t lose you.”
I press my mouth to hers. “Don’t you know, sweetness?”
Her brows furrow. “Know what?”
“The villain doesn’t die. He comes back stronger and fiercer.” I take her jaw in my hand and jerk up until we’re eye to eye. “I will burn the world for you, Ever, even when I’m breathing my last breath, baby.”
I look out the windshield and tip my head at the road in front of us that will take us to José’s house. “Ready to face the music?”
Her palm lands on the back of my head, and she’s taking control, bringing my attention to her again. “Bring it.”
That’s my girl.
“Oohra.” I slam my mouth over hers. She’s taking control of her life, one piece at a time.
35
EVER
Anger pulsed in the air the moment Bobby followed me inside José’s place. I step between a seething Tyler and a too-calm Bobby.
