“I didn’t.”
“’Fina . . . I accept you for what you are. I know you’re hiding from someone. I figured that out the day you showed up in the restaurant lost and unsure of yourself. I accept the fact that you’re the only person I know without family or a single photograph of someone you know in your house.” She looks around the expanse of my dining room and living room. “I don’t probe because I respect your privacy. But when I ask a direct question and you lie to me for no reason . . .”
Tears fill my eyes. I’m on edge, have been since the moment I saw Eagle. My hands start shaking. “I can’t tell you anything, Asia. I’m sorry.”
She sets her drink aside and takes my hand. “That bad?”
I sniffle, so close to completely breaking down. But I’ve come too far to give up now. “Yeah. I did meet someone. He protected me from the cartel asshole. We kissed a couple times and talked for hours. That’s it. Nothing will ever come of it.”
“I want you to be happy, Serafina.”
“I am.”
“To share your life with a great guy.”
“Like you and Desmond?” There’s a relationship I don’t fully understand. Asia is so beautiful and vibrant—dark haired with crystal blue eyes. She has a gregarious personality while Desmond is quiet and reserved. I think their bedroom chemistry is what keeps Asia around.
“Why not?”
“I just can’t.”
“Secrets can’t stay hidden forever. Someday you’ll want a family. A career. People will ask questions and expect honest answers.”
“I’ll move if I have to.”
“And do what?” She pauses and squeezes my fingers. “Keep running until there’s nowhere left to go? My father can help you. Remember? He’s a judge now. Whoever hurt you in the past can’t get to you now if you ask for help. I promise.”
We were raised in different worlds. Asia has a big family, three brothers and two sisters. Professional parents who adore her. Money. Roots. A real life. I’m like a skeleton, all my flesh stripped away, the bare bones showing.
“Please trust me.” She hugs me.
I rest my chin on her shoulder, welcoming her compassion and warmth. Idotrust her. It’s myself I can’t trust. How many times have I almost slipped up and spilled all my secrets? The Dead Dogs don’t care about connections and money. If they knew Asia had information that could harm a member, they’d hunt her down. Never mind if her daddy is a judge. First rule of any MC, no snitching. Call the cops and you die.
I sit back. “Thank you for being here.”
“Of course.” She looks so disappointed.
“These jellies are to die for.”
“Marcus makes them fresh every morning. Imagine stuffing your face three or four days a week with these babies.” She takes a big bite of her indulgence and chews extra loud.
I laugh. “No thank you. Once a week is enough for me.”
“At least tell me if your mysterious savior was hot or not.”
I nod enthusiastically. “Everything we dream of. A tattooed bad boy with attitude to spare.”
She rests her chin on her fist. “Tall?”
“Very.”
“Muscled?”
“Better than a Hemsworth.”
She grins. “Blond?”
“No. Raven-black hair.”
