“The ability not to give a fuck,” he answers, kissing me again and getting himself settled, ready to sleep.
“Vike…”
“Yes, darlin’?”
“Was there anyone before me?” I’ve always been curious about Vike’s past. All the years he spent hanging out here with my brother, I’ve never heard him talk about it.
“I hate to break it to ya, but there’s been plenty,” he teases me.
“I don’t mean like that, I mean like this. Have you ever been in love before?” I know his answer could potentially hurt me, but I still want to know.
“No, never,” he answers a little too sharply, making me wonder if he’s telling the truth.
“You can tell me if there was; I won’t get jealous, I swear.” I at least pretend that's the case.
“I wouldn’t lie to you, there's never been anybody, or anything like this,” he promises, looking sincere and a little overcome with emotion. “You should get some sleep, Alicia.”
“How?” I can’t let this settle. “How is it possible that a guy who looks like you, and cares as you do, has never had someone love him before now?” I shake my head in disbelief.
“Because I ain’t ever let nobody,” he admits looking like he’s let himself down, and when I see the sadness in his eyes grow deeper, I decide to drop it…at least for now.
“What you doin’ here?” Greaser looks pissed when I turn up at his garage.
“I’m here to pick up your books. Ruckus asked me to go through everything; check to see if there’s anything that might help us figure out where Raze is.”
“Since when do we take orders from Ruckus?” He slams down the hood of the car he’s workin’ on and heads into the office.
“We’re all just doin' whatever we can to help find him,” I point out as I follow him through.
“Yeah, well, you ain’t gonna find much in here.” He pulls down a box from the top shelf and shoves it hard into my chest.
“Looks like business is going well.” I decide to try and make the effort; I promised Alicia I’d be civil to this asshole, and I guess I have to start somewhere.
“It’s been steady,” he answers back coldly.
“Steady? Grease, the lot outside is rammed; you should speak to Wrath about getting some help around here.”
“I don’t need no help, I prefer to work alone.” He turns his back on me and starts busying himself with a car part from the counter.
“Siddy, it’s lunchtime,” Iris calls down from the top of the stairs; appearing at the bottom a few seconds later, carrying a sandwich on a plate for him.
“I didn’t realize you had company.” She gives me one of those frosty looks she reserves only for me. “How is Alicia?” she asks, handing her son the plate.
“She’s great, and rest assured, I’m making sure she gets lots of rest.” I smile, remembering again what I’ve promised.
“As you should. This stage of pregnancy is crucial.”
“Well, like with everything she does, Alicia’s coping well. I should get back to the club, I gotta lot of work to do.” I glance down at the box in my hand and go to leave.
“It’s a big responsibility, taking on another man's child. Are you up to it, Viking?” she calls out to me before I get out the door.
“It’s just Vike,” I correct her. “And yeah, I’m more than ready.”
“I hope so, because as soon as that baby comes, it will become her priority,” she explains, her left eye twitching ever so slightly as she waits for me to react.
“As it should be,” I remain calm.
“I think we both know which man Seggy would prefer to be helping raise his daughter.” She looks behind her to Greaser, who’s now halfway through eating the sandwich she made him.
