I clenched my fists at my sides, but I knew better than to say anything. This wasn’t the place to start fights—not with this dude. So, I kept quiet, nodded, and took a deep breath, fearing that for the next sixty years, this was my reality.
As he sat back down, my eyes landed on Bear’s massive forearm. He had biceps the size of my head. But what stood out was his tattoo—111 Boyzinked on his arm clear as day.
My blood ran cold.
If he was rocking that tattoo, he was deep in it. It would only be a matter of time before he got word of who I was. I’d be locked in a cell for twenty-three hours a day with a man who could decide to make me suffer for sport.
CHAPTER 22
MYTHIC GREY
ILAY THEREholding Aviana close. Her head was resting on my chest. Her breath was soft and steady. She was sleeping hard, but I hadn’t been able to shut my eyes all night. Every time I closed them, I saw her fear, the pain, and the blood. And it was my fault.
My arms were wrapped around her, like if I let go for even a second, she’d slip away. I held her tight, protecting her, keeping her safe, but the guilt was eating me up inside. I had let my guard down, and because of that, my favorite person in the world, the only woman I’d ever really cared about, was almost taken from me. I couldn’t get that out of my head.
I stared at the ceiling with my mind racing. I should’ve seen it coming. I should’ve known someone like Fury would try something this wild. I was too focused on handling business, too confident that nobody would be dumb enough to come for Aviana. But they did, and I wasn’t there to stop it.
As she shifted a little in her sleep, I pulled her in closer. I couldn’t believe I almost lost her. The thought of her being hurt—or worse—because of me was too much.
I glanced down at her, watching her breathe. Her face was calm and peaceful, like nothing had happened. But she had been through hell, and I wasn’t there when she needed me the most. That shit burned deep. I let my guard down, and she paid for it.
I couldn’t forgive myself for that.
Aviana stirred slowly, and I felt her shift against my chest. I looked down and saw that she was awake. She stayed quiet for a moment, just lying there, staring out the window.
Then, out of nowhere, she spoke softly. “So, you sell guns illegally?”
I cringed as my stomach lurched. I had never been ashamed of my profession, but hearing her say it hit different. For the first time, I was ashamed, and I couldn’t look at her. I let out a deep breath, feeling that guilt sink deeper.
“Yeah,” I said lowly, “but I don’t sell to just anybody. I only deal with cartels, organized syndicates—businessmen who don’t kill for no reason. That’s why Fury came for you. I refused to sell to his crew, and they’ve been losing a war because they don’t have enough artillery. His girl got killed, and he blamed me for it.”
I waited, feeling the tension rise in the room. I expected her to be mad, to ask how I could do something like that.
But she didn’t. Instead. She smiled a little, almost like she found it funny. “Mia and I always wondered what you did, but I would’ve never guessed this.”
I was shocked at her nonchalant response. I lay there, blinking slowly, not sure how to take it. She wasn’t yelling, wasn’t looking at me like I was a monster. She was just…accepting it.
“You don’t care?”
She waved a hand dismissively. “I spent years with the wrong man because I thought he was the safe choice, and he turned out to be the devil in disguise. Despite what happened last night, Itrust you to protect me, just like you did. I can’t imagine my life without you, Mythic. I don’t want to spend my days longing for you. I want to spend them enjoying and loving you, so no, I don’t care.”
I looked at her—really looked at her—and all I could think was how I didn’t deserve her. She was too pure, too good for someone like me, someone who lived in the shadows. She almost lost her life because of me, and on top of that, she’d already lost her father’s respect. I couldn’t put her through any more of this.
I sat up a little, pushing her off my chest gently but firmly. “You should go, Avi.”
“Huh?” Confused, she watched me, blinking rapidly as she braced herself on her elbow.
“I ain’t good for you. You almost died because of me. You need to get out before I drag you down with me.”
Her eyes searched mine, as if she were shocked, but she didn’t move. “Mythic, stop. I’m not going anywhere.”
“Yes, you are. You’re getting the fuck up outta here,” I ordered, my voice hard, almost mean. I needed her to understand, even if it hurt her. “I’m no good for you. You’ll end up hurt—or worse—because of this life I’m in. I can’t protect you from everything, and I won’t lose you because of my shit.”
She shook her head, but her eyes never left mine. “You’re not pushing me away, Mythic. I don’t care about all that. I care about you.”
I felt the anger rise, but it wasn’t at her—it was at myself. “I ain’t worth your life, Aviana. Can’t you see that?”
But she didn’t budge, didn’t back down. “I’m not goin’ anywhere,” she repeated, bringing her face closer to mine. “You can try to push me away all you want, but I’m staying. I’m not losing you too.”
