“Should you what?” Mom asks, making me jump. “Oh, sorry, sweetie, I didn’t mean to scare you,” she says as she walks toward me.
I give her a sad smile. “Should I take the ring off?” I don’t want to give him mixed signals, even though I’ve missed him.
Her eyebrows squish together and she purses her lips. “Why would you do that? Do you want to take it off?”
“No. He might want the ring back, though. It is a family heirloom.”
Mom frowns. “No, he won’t. That family will still adore you as much as they did back then. That won’t change.”
I massage my chest as my heart aches.
Mom sits on the bed. “Are you okay?”
I shake my head. “What’s Knox like now?” I ask in a small voice.
She looks away, as if thinking about her answer. Her eyes return to me. “He’s the same... but different... He goes by the name Bomber now.”
“That doesn’t tell me much, Mom. And how did he get that nickname?”
“I don’t know how he got it.” She pauses. “Knox looks the same but older. His personality...” Her hand goes to her chin. “Well, he’s harder now. He has more life experience, and he’s come back from war, so I understand, but I guess you’ll see what I mean when you spend time with him. I’ve heard a few rumors about their MC, but I could never imagine the Knox I knew to be violent, so I guess that’s what they are—rumors. But then again, he is the sergeant at arms of the club.”
I pinch my lips together. “Violent in what way? Sergeant at arms. What does that mean?”
Mom sighs. “Don’t listen to me. I think it would be best to talk to him to make up your own mind about him.”
I grab my phone from the bed and put it in my bag.
“Have fun,” she says with a smile.
I walk the few steps to her, bend down, and peck her cheek. “See you when I get home.”
My stomach flutters as I go down the stairs. I step through the front door to see a limousine waiting outside. When he sees me, the driver gets out and stands near the back door. One of the Harts must have organized it.
As I walk to the chauffeur, he greets me with a nod.
“I’m fine, thank you. I’ll drive there myself.”
“Please, miss, let me drive you. David insisted.” He must see my hesitancy because he opens the door for me, giving me a reassuring smile.
I can’t say no to David. He was like my second dad.
I sit in the leather seat and place my bag on my lap. The chauffeur closes the door. I glance down and pick at the couple of dots of white cotton on my black dress. As the car accelerates, anxiety causes my heart to skyrocket. I blow out a series of quick breaths to gain control.
Do I look okay? Will he be happy to see me or will he not care? God, I don’t think I’m going to cope well if he isn’t happy to see me. We had a past together, even if he broke up with me, so that should count for something.
I peer out the window to avoid my escalating thoughts. I grew up in a suburban part of Crown Village, whereas Knox’s parents lived closer to the beach. As we descend down the hill, the view of the water is breathtaking. It’s windy, so the water looks choppy as the waves crash against the shore.
When we arrive, I could vomit. I look up at the cream-colored house. It hasn’t changed a bit since my childhood. I’m regretting my decision to come here. I should have met some place, there’re no memories attached.
“Ma’am.”
The chauffer’s voice lifts me out of my daze. He puts out his hand, and I grab it as I get out of the car on shaky legs. After I step onto the grass, he shuts the door behind me. I turn to the chauffeur. He gives me a small smile, even though he just cut off my exit.
I can do this. It’s just dinner. I stand taller with some fake courage, walk to the intercom, and press the button and wait. It beeps, and the click of the door unlocking sounds.
“Zara, come on in.” David’s cheery voice greets me.
I rush to the front door, and when I’m about to open it, it opens wide, and I’m met by David with outstretched arms.
