The banner above the main stage doesn't sayHugs for Heartsanymore. It saysHugs for Hartford.
I don't understand any of this.
Clay's standing near the entrance, holding a hand-lettered sign that reads:Free Hugs from A Grumpy Biker.
Our eyes meet.
He doesn't smile. His expression is serious, uncertain, and he looks like he hasn't slept either. I walk toward him, my legs numb.
“What is this?” My voice comes out hoarse.
“It's your Valentine’s Day event.” He sets down the sign. “Rebranded. New organization, donations transferred for a legitimate cause.”
“I don't—how?—”
“Ty's in custody. Or Chet Morgan is… He confessed everything last night. The donations are secured and most of the money is recoverable. We contacted every donor last night and this morning. They know the truth, and they still want to support the cause.”
“You did all this?”
“The club did. Viper traced the money. Brick handled the setup.” He pauses. “I made some calls.”
Around us, the bikers are manning hug stations with visitors beginning to stream in, and the event I built is running smoothly without me. Dolly is looking up at Clay, wagging her little tail.
Traitor.
“I came here to apologize and cancel everything.”
“I know.”
“But you… you saved it.”
Clay steps closer. “No. The event, the future of the cause, that's all yours. You built this, Karina. You recruited the volunteers and made people believe in something good.”
Tears spill down my cheeks and I wipe them away, setting Dolly on the floor.
Clay clears his throat. “I should have trusted you with the truth from the beginning. I told myself I was protecting you, but that's bullshit. I was scared… scared you'd look at me like…” He swallows. “Like you did yesterday.”
“Clay—”
“My whole life, I've handled things for people. Told myself I knew better.” His voice is rough. “My mom, my brothers, now you. I thought protecting people meant keeping them in the dark. But all I did was take away your chance to be strong.”
I stare at him. This huge, terrifying, grumpy man stands before me, vulnerable.
“You hurt me,” I say.
“I know.”
“You lied to me.”
“I did.”
“If you ever do it again, I'll set Dolly on you.”
His mouth twitches and he nods.
“And you have to come to dinner with my family. My mom is going to hate you.”
“Okay.”
