"Yeah.I'm going."
"Good.That's how trust gets built.One small moment at a time."
He's right.The grand gestures matter, but it's the everyday moments that really count.The bedtime stories and homework help and middle-of-the-night comfort.The quiet intimacy of sharing a life.
"Hades."Tempest's voice stops me as I'm heading back to my bike."She's going to need you when this all comes out.When she learns what Ethan really is, what her engagement was really about.Be ready for that conversation."
"I'll be ready."
"And brother?When the time comes, when she's ready to let someone help her carry this load, don't let her convince herself she's not worth fighting for.Because she is.She's worth everything."
The words hit me harder than I expected.The idea that Evangeline might not think she deserves protection, love, someone willing to go to war for her, makes something fierce and protective roar to life in my chest.
But as I fire up my bike and head back toward the house where she's waiting, where five kids who are becoming mine in every way that matters need their uncle, I allow myself to hope.
Maybe this time, when everything falls apart, I'll be strong enough to help her put it back together.
Maybe this time, I'll be brave enough to fight for what I want.
Maybe this time, the woman I've been in love with for years will finally see me as more than just the dangerous man in leather.
Even if it means going to war with someone who has everything to lose.
Even if it means keeping secrets that could destroy us both.
Even if loving her means becoming the kind of man I swore I'd never be again.
Because she's worth it.They're all worth it.
And I'll be damned if I let anyone hurt my family again.
CHAPTERTEN
evangeline
The soundof shattering glass makes me run down the hallway toward Jake's room.I find him in the middle of what can only be described as a complete meltdown, hurling his toys against the wall while screaming at the top of his lungs.
"Jake, sweetheart, please?—"
"I want my mom!"he shrieks, throwing his favorite action figure so hard it cracks the mirror above his dresser."I want my dad!I want them to come home!"
My heart breaks watching him fall apart.The other kids are huddled in the doorway, Sophie crying, Lily clinging to Emma's leg.Mason steps forward like he's going to help, but I shake my head.
"Take your sisters to the living room," I tell him quietly."Put on a movie or something."
He nods, understanding that his little brother needs space to let this out.
"Jake, honey, I know you miss them?—"
"You're not my mom!"he screams, his face red and streaked with tears."You can't tell me what to do!I hate you!I hate living here!I hate everything!"
The words hit like physical blows, even though I know he doesn't mean them.He's ten years old and his world exploded three weeks ago.Of course he's angry.Of course he's lashing out at the safest target he can find.
"It's okay to be angry," I say, keeping my voice calm even though my hands are shaking."You can be as mad as you want.But we can't throw things that might hurt someone."
"I don't care!"Another toy hits the wall, this one a wooden train car that leaves a dent in the drywall."I don't care about anything!"
The front door slams, and I hear Ethan's voice echoing through the house."What the hell is all that noise?"
