“Jameson called?” I ask, surprised.
“Yeah, guess he actually cares whether you make it or not,” Steel says, a wry smile on his face.
“More like making sure his deliveries aren’t compromised,” I joke.
“He was all business of course. Wanted to know if there’d be any delays on our end. I told him everything’s under control and that you’d be back soon enough.”
“Thanks for holding it down while I’m laid up here.”
“No problem, Prez. One more thing, Jameson thought it’d be smart to make a few changes to the plan.”
“What kind of changes?”
“To start, we switched up the mules. Pulled in some fresh faces, people no one’s keeping tabs on yet. Also changed the drop location last minute to keep it unpredictable. Figured it’d throw the gangs off enough to buy us some time.”
“Smart move. Last thing we need is another ambush. Good thinking,” I say, nodding approvingly.
“Yeah, Jameson’s keeping a close eye on the route, but we’re ready for anything that might pop off.”
“Good, that’s what I like to hear. Any news on the gang, who got wind of the last shipment?”
“It was a crew out of the west end, tipped off by a connection in New Orleans. Turns out, it was one of Jameson’s informants. Not an issue anymore though.”
Anyone who crosses Jameson, ends up taking a dirt nap, and this guy clearly learned the hard way.
“Thanks for the update Steel, and thanks again for keeping things together while I’m out. It means a lot.”
“You know the club’s behind you one hundred percent. We’ll watch over Ember until you’re back. You just focus on healing up, and we’ll take care of the rest.”
“Thanks, brother.”
The room falls quiet after Steel heads out, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I replay every word Ember said, the warmth of her touch, and the glint of hope in her eyes. Knowing she cameback, that she’s willing to try, has me feeling like the ground beneath me might finally be steady again. After a month of darkness, there’s finally a hint of light breaking through.
Lying back, I let it all settle in, thinking about what it’s going to take to mend what I broke between us. I’m the one responsible for the state of our marriage, and I’m ready to spend the rest of my life proving she can trust me. As my eyelids grow heavier, the medication does its job, dulling the ache of my wounds and quieting the storm in my mind. I don’t resist the pull of sleep. Drifting off, I cling to the memory of her hand in mine, a silent reassurance that maybe, just maybe, we’ll find our way back to each other.
TWENTY-SIX
EMBERLYNNE
The door closesbehind me and I’m left reeling, my emotions a mess after seeing Silas for the first time in a month. Seeing him lying there, vulnerable, proved my love hasn’t faded; if anything, it’s just buried beneath the betrayal I’ve been feeling. He promised to honor me on our wedding day and I expected honesty as part of that vow. Now I realize he also promised to protect me, a promise he made as much to my father as to me. I didn’t understand it then, but I do now.
Still, part of me feels angry. Fury got to me regardless, and had I known he was so close, I would’ve taken measures to protect myself. If Silas told me the truth, we could’ve faced the threat together, and been stronger for it. That’s what I’m most troubled about. My husband kept me in the dark, leaving me vulnerable. I guess it doesn’t matter now. Once he’s home and healing, we’ll have the chance to work through it and see what remains after the storm.
“Thanks for bringing me here, Londyn. I think I’m just going to head to my hotel and get some rest.”
She grins mischievously, taking me by the hand. “Yeah, about that… I’ve got another stop in mind,” she teases, leading me to the elevator.
“What does that mean?” I inquire, intrigued by what she’s thinking. Before she answers she dashes back to Malcolm, who’s grinning as she jumps into his arms. Their affection is so easy, so open and it stirs up memories of Silas, sending a rush of heat through me. Londyn unabashedly kisses him and giggles when he gives her a playful smack on the ass as she heads back my way.
“He gets a little grumpy if I leave without saying goodbye,” she laughs, and I smile at their natural ease. “Now, let’s get you out of here.”
“So, where exactly are we going? I inquire. “I’m wiped from the flight. I could really use a shower and a bed.”
“Trust me, this will be worth it,” she says, unlocking the SUV. “I think it’s time you see the club for what it really is… what family looks like, Royal Bastards style.”
“I’m not sure that’s such a great idea. I don’t want to intrude. Besides, Silas isn’t even there.”
“Em, you’re our ‘first lady’. Everyone’s been waiting for Maverick to bring you into the fold for real.” When I don’t respond, she adds. “Mav is lost without you and he’s afraid you won’t accept this life… won’t accept him.”
