He winced at my wording, but I didn’t try to take it back. It was difficult for me to separate the cruelty from the nobility of his actions.
“Could be an initiation of sorts. And if I do it, I have their trust,” he explained. “They told me they have another favor coming down the pipeline once I… finish this one.”
“And you want the trust of people who act like this?” My frown couldn’t get any deeper.
“No, not this way…. But it could be beneficial in the long run.”
I let out a hot breath. “Weston. Listen to yourself. You really think that’s worth it?”
“Those two are hiding something big,” he explained while spreading his fingers to emphasize his words. “They have been since day one. I ignored it for two years. This year is different. The team doesn’t feel the same. Groups are tighter and guys are quieter. David, believe it or not, used to be a decent guy. A jackass, but decent.”
“So, what are you saying? You’re going to beat Dakota to win favor with two creeps?”
He shook his head, nose wrinkled at the thought. “No, of course. At least, not like that.”
“Like what, then?”
He hesitated for only a second, chewing on a nail. “I’ll fill Dakota in. He’ll understand.”
“Will he?”
Weston did know him better than I did. Still, I doubted anyone wanted to sport a black eye and bruised ribs for the sake of a favor.
“Maybe… I don’t know. He’s like you.” Weston let out a sigh.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I cross my arms over my chest, not sure if he was currently insulting or complimenting me.
He looked at me. “Willing to see the good.”
“So, a guy that’s willing to see the good has to sacrifice for bad people?” I shook my head. “Don’t put that on him.”
“Covee, would you sacrifice one person for a million?” he proposed. “Or, a million for one person.”
I rolled my eyes. “Oh, god, not this question.”
“Well?” Weston’s mouth was straight, and jaw pulled tight.
“I’d find a way to save everyone,” I said, lamely. Sure, it was a cop-out but the truth. Because I would do everything in my power to not leave anyone behind.
“The world doesn’t work like that,” he said with a gentle voice.
“I know, I’m not that naive. I get it. But I want it to. Is it a crime for me to dream and work towards the type of world I want?”
He shook his head. “Not at all. Some of us work towards the world we want, while others work within the one, we have. Monsters and all.”
“Is that what you’re doing? Working with the monsters we have.”
“Maybe. Having monsters in your pocket is better than having them at your back.” He gave me a half-shrug.
I stared at him with mouth agape. “I can’t believe…”
“That I’d hurt someone to gain something?” he questioned.
“Yeah.”
He bit his lip. “But you knew this the first night we were together in the library. You knew I would defend you regardless of how long we’ve known each other.”
Anger formed in my chest. “What the hell, Weston? Why even bring me to dinner then? I thought you actually needed my help. It seems like you’ve already decided what you want to do.”
