She still believes in me.
Always has.
I stare at the ceiling for a long moment while the weight of what I have to do presses heavier against my chest.
Finally I sit up and go to the door.
The movement wakes her.
She frowns immediately.
“Diablo?”
Her voice is soft with sleep and trust.
God help me.
The moment stretches between us before I finally speak.
“They’re patching me in,” I breathe.
Pride flickers across her face first. She always believed in me even when I didn’t. Then worry settles deeper.
“That’s dangerous.”
“Yes.”
Her feet hit the floor.
“Then we leave,” she says quickly. “Just for a while. Orlando. Tampa. We can go to my sister’s. Anywhere.”
I shake my head.
Her smile fades as she slowly sits back.
“Diablo?”
“This club comes first.”
She goes still.
“I know that.”
“No,” I hiss. “You don’t.”
I turn away before I say the words that will destroy us.
“I made a deal.”
Silence fills the room.
“With Carmen Solano,” I finish, facing her. “Her father’s bloodline secures the club. I take the seat. I take her hand.”
Darling stares at me like I struck her.
Her voice barely comes out.
“You’re engaged?”
