“We’re being extra cautious with it just like you wanted. Making good coin but no flashy displays. Keeping our heads low while pulling in some good bank.”
“No trouble from Legion and his crew?” I ask, remembering how he promised revenge for me killing his brother, Stacks.
“Word is, he tried to take over a crew on the west side and got popped,” Steel responds, shaking his head. Legion was always in over his head, and never knew when to quit. His arrogance got him and his brother killed.
“As long as everyone’s staying sharp, we’ll be able to keep the heat and Jameson off our backs,” I remark, as we wait for the gate to open. It’s good to be home and I plan on calling Ember as soon as I get up to my room. She’s been staying at a hotel, and I hate it. She should be here, but I know I need to be patient.
“Ain’t been the same without you Prez. Feels right to have you back. If you need us to keep handling things while you sortyour shit out with Ember, we got you,” Steel mentions, getting my bag from the back seat. Who knew that getting out of a car would hurt like hell, but the doc said to give it a week before I start feeling normal again.
“I know I don’t say it often, but I appreciate you guys stepping up and having my six. You truly are my brothers.”
“No problem, Prez. We feel the same,” Nightmare replies, watching me go up the stairs. They know it’s difficult for me to be down like this and they’re giving me space to navigate this shit on my own.
As I step through the doors, a loud chorus of cheers erupts, catching me by surprise. The walls are decorated with balloons and a massive “Welcome Home, Mav!” banner. Things I never thought I’d see in an MC clubhouse. My brothers lightly clap me on the back while the women each give me hugs.
“Good to have you back, Prez!” Vandal calls out from the bar, raising a beer in salute.
“Place hasn’t been the same without you, Mav!” shouts Turbo, flashing a wide grin.
I laugh taking it all in, but my mind is on one person I need to see. After a few minutes of stories and congratulations on my recovery, I manage to slip away from the crowd, making my way toward the stairs. Nightmare notices, and gives me a nod, knowing I need some space. I’m not an attention whore, and can only take so much of everything being about me.
It takes me longer than expected, but I finally make it to my room, and when I push open the door, I immediately sense something’s different. A light floral scent mingles with the familiar leather, and someone’s cluttering around in my bathroom. I’m just about to go the fuck off when Ember steps out, fresh from the shower, wrapped in a towel. Droplets of water still cling to her skin, and for a moment I just stand there stunned, taking in the sight of her.
Her gaze meets mine, a flicker of surprise passing over her face before softening into a smile.
“You’re back,” she says quietly, her voice laced with warmth and a hint of vulnerability. “I was hoping to be dressed and downstairs as part of your surprise.”
“Yeah,” I manage, still processing the reality of my wife here, wrapped in one of my towels, looking sexy as fuck. Her breath hitches as my eyes roam slowly over her body, the air charged with sexual tension.
“Why don’t you get comfortable so we can talk,” she suggests. “I’ll be right back,” she says, walking back into the bathroom, and shutting the door.
Heading into the closet, I change into some pajama bottoms and a loose t-shirt. If I’m being honest, I’m a little anxious. I can’t apologize enough to Ember, and I’m hoping she can see my heart, not just hear my words. I’m not expecting her to forgive me right away, but I hope that she will at least listen, and give me a chance to explain.
Turning off the light, I walk back into the bedroom to find Ember standing by the window. Her eyes hold mine, a storm of emotions swirling beneath the surface, and I brace myself for what’s coming.
“Do you have any idea how much this hurt me, Silas?” Her voice trembles, and I can see the pain in her eyes before she turns away from me. “Everything we built, everything I thought I knew about you, about us, feels like it was all a lie.
My heart tightens. “Ember, I never wanted to hurt you, not for a second. I thought I was protecting you by keeping you out of this part of my life… but I see now that was wrong. I should’ve been honest. I should’ve trusted you.”
She takes a shaky breath, looking down at the floor. “I don’t know if I would’ve accepted this right away, but you didn’t give me a choice to make my own decision. Silas, I would’ve beenby your side no matter what, but keeping this part of yourself hidden from me? Help me understand, why?”
Taking a moment, I try to calm my thundering heart, feeling like if I say the wrong thing, she’ll walk out of my life forever. I choose total honesty and transparency.
“I was selfish Em,” I start, my voice breaking a little. “When you told me how your mother died, and how much you hated MCs, I couldn’t bring myself to tell you, and at the same time I couldn’t let you go. You had become such an important part of my life that I didn’t want you to see me for what I truly am. Maybe I underestimated your strength trying to protect you.” She remains silent so I continue.
“You are my everything. Not telling you was the worst mistake of my life, and it’s been tearing me apart every day. I swear to you, I will never lie to you again.”
Ember’s eyes glisten as she looks at me, letting my words sink in. “I want to believe you,” she whispers. “But this… it’s going to take time to rebuild,” she says, gesturing between us.
I nod, stepping closer. “I understand, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make this right. I promise to spend every day proving to you that you can trust me again. Just… don’t give up on us.”
She lets out a deep breath, closing the distance between us a little more, her hand hovering near mine. “I don’t want to give up, Silas. I never did. The divorce papers were my way of protecting my heart, and I was acting out of anger. But, you need to understand, you can’t protect me by shutting me out. That’s not how love works.”
Tears fall from her eyes, and I gently wipe them away, feeling the burden of every broken promise. “I know. From here on out, no more secrets. Just us, the way it should’ve been all along. I swear it, baby,” I vow, my voice rough with emotion. “I missed you, so much, Em, I’ll make this right… every day, for the rest of my life, if that’s what it takes.”
TWENTY-EIGHT
EMBERLYNNE
