"I mean it, Olivia. One wrong move from him, and you're out of there."
"Agreed." I hold his gaze, letting him see my determination. "But I need to do this, Tyler. I need to tell him myself that it's over."
He sighs, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "Fine. But we do this my way. We take my bike. We arrive together, we leave together. And if things go south—"
"I follow your lead. I promise."
He doesn't look entirely convinced, but he nods. "We'll need to prepare."
"Prepare how?"
"I need to walk you through possible scenarios. Reactions. What to expect." He leans forward, elbows on knees. "And you need to be absolutely clear about what you're going to say to him. Short, direct, no room for misinterpretation."
"I can do that."
"And you need to be prepared for him to say things designed to hurt you. To manipulate you." Tyler's eyes are intense. "He'll try to make you feel guilty. Try to remind you of good times. Try to make promises. You need to be ready for that."
The thought makes my stomach clench. I know all too well how Devin operates, how he can switch from rage to remorse in an instant, how convincing his promises can be.
"I'll be ready," I say, more confidently than I feel.
Tyler seems to sense my uncertainty. "We don't have to do this, Liv. There are other ways to handle it."
"No. I need to face him. I need to say the words myself." I take a deep breath. "I need to stop being afraid."
Something like pride flickers in Tyler's eyes. "Okay. Then let's make sure you're prepared."
The next few hours are surreal. Tyler walks me through various scenarios, teaching me what to watch for in Devin's body language, where to position myself in relation to exits, how to create distance if needed. It's part self-defense lesson, part psychological preparation.
"If he stands up suddenly, you move back," Tyler instructs. "If he raises his voice, you stay calm. If he tries to touch you—"
"You intervene," I finish for him.
"Immediately," he confirms, a dangerous edge to his voice.
By the time noon rolls around, I'm mentally exhausted but strangely empowered. For the first time in over a year, I feel like I have some control over my situation. Like I'm taking action instead of just reacting to Devin's moods.
"It's time," Tyler says, checking his watch. "You still sure about this?"
I nod, standing up and smoothing down the simple jeans and sweater I've put on. "I'm sure."
"Then let's go." Tyler shrugs into his leather cut, the patches of the Outlaw Order MC prominently displayed. With it on, his whole demeanor changes—becoming harder, more imposing. The soldier merges with the biker, creating something formidable.
Something that makes me very glad he's on my side.
He hands me the spare helmet, and we head out to his motorcycle. The day is cold, and as I climb onto the bike behind Tyler, wrapping my arms around his waist, I try to focus on the feeling of safety his solid presence provides.
"Ready?" he asks over his shoulder.
I tighten my hold around him. "Ready."
The engine roars to life beneath us, and we pull out of the motel parking lot. As we ride toward Brady's Bar and my confrontation with Devin, I rest my cheek against Tyler's back and close my eyes briefly.
Whatever happens next, at least I'm no longer facing it alone.
Chapter 5 - Hawk
We pull into Brady's parking lot at 12:45, and I kill the engine, taking a moment to survey the scene. Sunday afternoon crowd: pickup trucks and sedans in the lot, the low hum of televised sports audible even from outside. Through the windows, I can make out figures hunched over the bar, others gathered around tables watching the screens mounted on the walls and a few Christmas decorations all over the place.
