Jax's glare drills into me like a branding iron.
Confessions pour out of me as fast as blood from a fresh cut. "It's a big reason why my sponsors dropped me. Why my life's been circling the drain. But I'm done. No more. No racetracks, casinos, or stupid bar wagers. And I'm swearing off whiskey too."
A moment of thick silence descends.
Mason's gaze looks like it wants to slice me open. "You serious?"
I nod, throat burning. "I have to be. I can't keep living like this. I won't."
Jagger mumbles, "Damn, Willow."
I snap my gaze to his. "Why are you damming her?"
He shakes his head and groans. "Should have known she'd convince you of something so you'd change."
"What are you talking about?" I hurl, anger building quickly.
He continues, "You don't have a problem. Don't listen to her."
"Willow didn't know until I told her.Irealized I had a problem.Itook myself to the first meeting over a month ago.Isat her down and told her I'm an addict."
Jagger gapes at me.
"It's true. I can't control it when I start, so I'm not betting ever again," I explain, disgust with myself burning in my stomach.
Mason declares, "Christ, Wyatt. You should've told us sooner."
"I was too ashamed," I admit, my voice splintering.
Jax pins me with his steely gaze. "So you're getting help?"
I nod. "Yes, sir. I started attending daily meetings a month ago. I just wanted you all to know why I won't be indulging in anything I used to while we're on the road. And I'll probably find a meeting to attend once we get there."
Jagger takes a bit to process it, looking like he wants to either punch or hug me.
I stay silent, my chest tightening so bad, I think it might collapse in on itself.
Mason steps beside him, his eyes glassy in the cold morning light. "You better keep hold of this, Wyatt. 'Cause I'm not watching you destroy yourself or our sister."
"I got this," I assert.
Mason nods. "Okay, then. We'll stick to beers on the road."
Relief fills me. "Thanks."
Jax finally moves, placing a heavy hand on my shoulder. "You mess up, you come talk to me. Are we clear?"
I nod, a sob lodged so deep, it doesn't stand a chance of escaping. "Clear."
Jagger shakes his head, his voice coming out rough. "All right, you stubborn bastard. Let's get cleaned up so we can hit the road."
I let out a strangled laugh, eyes burning from more than the wind. "Sounds good."
We make our way toward the house, but Jagger hangs back with me. We're almost to the porch when he quietly says, "You could have told me."
"I just did."
He adds, "Before today."
