“I’ll drive,” I tell him, excited to have that freedom back. “And Chantel and Amber want to pick me up tonight for Flip’s party.”
Sean gives me a wary look. “It’ll be fine,” I tell him “I’ll see you tonight.”
Sean nods reluctantly and walks through the door. When the rumble of his Harley fills the driveway, Dell looks at me.
“He has your name tattooed? On hisface!?” he whisper-yells.
“Yes,” I answer honestly. “And I don’t need you telling me what’s right or wrong, Dell.” I let my expression soften as I fold my arms over my chest. “Do you enjoy feeling this caged up all the time?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean you don’t have to be whotheywant you to be.” Isearch his eyes. “You can be a good person and do it on your own terms.” I move closer and place my hand on his arm. “Do you love Mandy?” I ask. I’ve seen the way he looks at her and it isn’t the look of a man in love.
“Mandy is very sweet. She comes from a great family. It makes sense.”
“But do youloveher?” I repeat. Dell hesitates.
“What, are you an expert after however many days you’ve known Tattoo Face?” he bites out.
“The funny thing is, Dell, I don’t think I’m an expert but I’m starting to feel like maybe I understand. You only have one life. Don’t waste it for one second if what you’re doing isn’t your passion. That’s all I’m saying,” I offer.
Dell looks out the window to where Sean was parked just moments ago.
“It was nice of him to fix up Mom’s Lincoln for you,” he allows.
I smile and nod. “Yeah, it was. Just trust me on this. Not everything is black and white, okay? Give him a chance.”
Dell starts to laugh. “I don’t think I have a choice, because I’m pretty sure he could easily kick my ass.”
“True.” I push his shoulder with a laugh. “He might seem rough around the edges, but I’ve never felt more cared for,” I say seriously.
Dell blows out a breath. “Okay. I really respect that he was a Marine. It’s an amazing thing to serve our country. I guess I can’t fully judge a book by its cover.” He looks at me expectantly.
“He also graduated from Duke, with honors,” I say just to see the shock on Dell’s face. It doesn’t disappoint. Duke is a better school than he went to. “And he still works for the government. He’s a good man. He cares deeply about those men and women he fought with. It’s his passion. The club isn’t all he is.”
“No shit?” Dell asks, his voice rising at the end in surprise.
I pat him on the shoulder. “Told ya, there’s always a gray area. Don’t bethem.” I mean my parents, the church. “Be open-minded and think about what I said. You deserve to be happy on your terms, Delly Bear.”
I poke fun by using his nickname from when we were kids and then straighten up, pointing to the door. “Now get lost, I have schoolwork to do.” I say jokingly, as Dell surprises me and pulls me in for a hug.
“I trust you, Lay. I just worry. Ever since Mom and Dad … you’re all I have left. Just promise me you’ll be safe,” he says, pulling back from the hug.
“I will,” I tell him. Hoping that, even with the danger that lurks in Sean’s world, I’ll be able to keep that promise.
CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT
Sean
“So, is no one gonna fuckin’ say it?” Kai asks, leaning against the table in the chapel.
“I’ve just been waiting for business to conclude so I could say it,” Mason chirps.
“Fuck you all.” I say with a chuckle, knowing exactly what they’re talking about, and that even though they’re joking, none of them will challenge me on my decision.
“Your face, bro? This is fuckin’ extreme speed dating,” Jake laughs.
“Whether I’ve known her a week, a day, or one fucking minute, time is irrelevant. Layla isn’t going anywhere. She’s mine. So,extreme? Not a chance.”
