"Yeah.It happened."
"And?"
"And she's scared.Thinks it's too risky with the kids involved."
"Is she wrong?"
The question stops me cold.Because the truth is, I don't know.I don't know if this thing between us is strong enough to survive the complications, the pressure, the responsibility of five grieving children.
But I know I want to find out.
"Maybe," I admit."But some things are worth the risk."
"Even if it means potentially losing them all?"
"Even then."
Tempest nods, like that's the answer he expected."Then you’d better make damn sure you don't fuck this up, brother.Because if you break her heart, if you hurt those kids, the club won't be the only thing you have to worry about."
The warning is delivered calmly, matter-of-factly, but I hear the steel underneath it.Tempest cares about Evangeline and those kids too.They've become part of our extended family, and we protect family.
"I won't hurt them."
"Intentionally, no.But good intentions don't always translate to good outcomes."
He's right, and we both know it.This thing between Evangeline and me is a gamble, a leap of faith that could either give us everything we've ever wanted or destroy the fragile stability we've built.
But as I think about the way she felt in my arms, the way she looked at me like I was something worth wanting, I know I'm willing to take that risk.
Because if I have to burn the whole world down to keep her safe, so be it.
CHAPTERTWELVE
evangeline
Three days.I've managed to avoid being alone with Hades for exactly three days, and it's killing me.I’ve even managed to be busy when he’s come by to check on the progress of the perimeter fence and gate that’s being installed.It should be done within the next few days, and hopefully, Hades and I can avoid being alone still.
Every time he offers to help with the kids, I find an excuse.School pickup?I've got it covered.Homework assistance?The teenagers can handle it.Bedtime stories?Thanks, but we're fine.
The problem is, we're not fine.Jake's been asking for his uncle Hades every night, and Sophie keeps wondering why he doesn't come around as much anymore.Even sixteen-year-old Mason has started giving me looks, like he knows I'm being weird about something.
Because I am being weird.Because every time I close my eyes, I can feel Hades' hands in my hair, taste him on my lips, and remember the way his body felt pressed against mine.My skin burns with the memory, and no amount of cold showers or late-night pacing seems to make it stop.
The kiss meant nothing, I keep telling myself.It was a moment of weakness, emotional vulnerability after a fight with Ethan.It doesn't have to change anything.
But my body knows I'm lying.
"Aunt Evie?"Lily's voice breaks through my thoughts.I'm standing at the kitchen counter, supposedly making lunch but mostly just staring into space."Can we call Uncle Hades?I want to show him the picture I drew."
"Maybe later, sweetheart.He's probably busy with work."
"But he's never too busy for us.He said so."
The innocent faith in her voice makes my chest tight with guilt.She's right.Hades has never been too busy for these kids, never made them feel like an inconvenience or obligation.He shows up because he wants to, because he loves them.
Because he loves me.
The thought hits like lightning, electric and dangerous.He didn't just kiss me because of the moment or the emotion.When he said he'd wanted me for years, when he looked at me like I was something precious and necessary, he meant it.
