Chapter 27
Anika
They say things happen for a reason. I used to be a strong believer in that. Now I’m not so sure. Things happen because bad people cause them to happen. They do things to hurt others, to warp their sense of security and hope. They ruin lives just because they can, and most of them hold no remorse for it.
I run my fingers over Rafe’s name once more as I sit on the ground in front of his cross.
“I wonder if you’d be proud of me,” I say to no one. “I wonder what you’d think of me now.”
“He would have been very proud of you,” I hear Kal say behind me. I glance over my shoulder and offer him a smile.
“You think so?”
“After what you’ve overcome? I’m damn sure, darlin’.”
“Thanks, Kal. For everything.”
“No need to thank me. You’re family now, whether you like it or not,” he says with a laugh.
“I think I do like it.”
“Good. Cause you’re kinda stuck now.” He offers me his hand, and I gladly take it as he helps me off the ground. I wipe my jeans off before I look up at him.
“Everything’s okay now, right?”
“Yeah, darlin’. Everything is good for now. Can’t say how long that will last, though. There’s always traffickers out there,” he tells me.
“I get it now. Why do you guys do what you do? It makes sense,” I admit.
“I’m glad you get it.”
“What the fuck is this shit?” We both turn when we hear the roar. I shake my head and smile as he walks toward us.
“What shit?” Kal asks.
“This is my space. Not yours,” he says, nodding toward the crosses.
“Wasn’t your time, though, asshole.”
“You know what the fuck I mean. And why are you out here with her?”
“I was just visiting Rafe,” I tell him, rolling my eyes.
“How about you visit me, Train Wreck?” I laugh at Patch’s nickname for me. He’s right, though. After all we’ve been through, I’m a fucking train wreck.
“Shouldn’t you be resting?” I ask him.
“Do I look tired?” he asks in response.
“A little.”
“I’ll leave you two alone,” Kal says before turning to walk away. He slaps a hand on Patch’s shoulder before going past him. And all I can do is stare at the man.
The knife managed to nick his heart. That’s why surgery was needed. But the man is a fighter and wouldn’t give up.
“He left us alone,” he says, stepping closer to me.
“Yeah, he did.”
