“Have you taken your medication today?” I ask, already knowing the answer because I checked this morning.
“Of course I have,” she says cheerily.
Such a liar. She hasn’t touched her meds. But I don’t want to start an argument or make her think I’m spying on her. “That’s good.” I take a step back. “Well, I’d better get this computer update done.” I tilt my head toward the computer room.
“Oh, okay. Well, hopefully, you don’t take too long.”
I clip my head in a nod and stride toward the computer room. I’ll get some work done, then I’ll have to talk to Reaper and Bomber. Dread assaults my body. It’s early, but I could down a few beers already.
I eat the rest of the chocolate while updating the system. It doesn’t take long to finish, but I need the time to gather my thoughts before approaching Reaper. When I’m done, I stand, crack my neck to the sides, and go in search of him.
Mercedez runs out from the lounge again, but I put my hand up to stop her. “I need to talk to Reaper privately. It’s club business.”
She knows she isn’t privy to that information. Her shoulders fall, and she nods before retreating back into the lounge.
I search the house, then go outside, where I find Reaper and Bomber sitting at the table, watching the kids play on the swing set with Ava and Hope. I stride toward them and take a seat beside Bomber. “Have you guys got a minute to talk? It’s important.”
Reaper’s brows furrow and Bomber turns, giving me his full attention.
“We’ve always got time for you, Twitch,” Reaper says.
He’s too good to me. If he knew what I’ve done, he wouldn’t be saying that. I take a deep breath. “I’m concerned about Mercedez. She refuses to go to counseling and isn’t taking her meds. I don’t want a repeat of last time, so I wanted you two to be aware of what’s going on.”
There’s a heavy silence.
“Thanks for keeping me up to date with it,” Reaper says finally. “I never asked, but what pushed her over the edge?”
I look down at my feet, struggling to keep my breathing even. “I met someone,” I say quietly, then look at them. “It didn’t go down well. She said she would kill herself if I chose the other woman.”
Reaper’s jaw tightens. “I want her to get better, but I’m not putting up with jealous bullshit in my clubhouse,” he says firmly. “Would you like me to ask her to leave?”
I swallow hard, stunned. “You’d ask her to leave for me?”
“Of course I would,” says Reaper. “You’re a club member. She’s been here for a long time, but you’re family—you’re my brother.”
I flinch. I don’t know if I deserve that title right now.
“And you will always be a priority over the sweet butts,” Reaper finishes, while my guilt pushes my stomach into my throat.
I really am an asshole to such a good guy, who’s always been there for me. I take a moment to consider my options, but I’m still stuck in the same position. I want Mercedez to get better, and I think she’ll get better quicker if I’m around. I’d like to think she could get over me eventually. She’s been here for a long time, and I don’t know if she has any friends or family outside the club. I don’t have it in me to callously drop her off and wish her good luck just to make my life easier, but I’m exhausted already and it’s been only two days. I’m drained, like she’s sucking the life out of me.
“I’ll manage it from my end, and if she gets worse, I’ll keep you guys updated.”
“Are you sure?” asks Bomber, his tone skeptical. “That’s a lot of pressure to put on yourself.”
“I want her to get better first, then I can see how she’s doing and how to proceed.”
Bomber shakes his head and glances at Reaper. “That’s a bad idea. She’s a liability. We don’t need cops around if she goes through with it.” Bomber’s always blunt and straight to the point.
Bomber peers at me, his expression hard. “Are you planning on staying single for the rest of your life or being in a relationship with her? Because those will be your only options. She’s manipulated you once to get what she wants. She won’t hesitate to do it again.”
Reaper glances between us. “I trust Twitch knows what he’s doing. You’ll have to keep us updated on her progress.”
He trusts me... Well, he shouldn’t.
“I’ll be in the computer room if you need me.”
I walk away but I hear Bomber mutter, “This is going to end badly.”
