Chapter Twenty-eight
Serafina
I can’t take the waiting anymore. Eagle disappeared behind those meeting doors an hour ago and hasn’t come out yet. If the news was good . . . No, I need to remain hopeful and positive. Focused on a new future, possibly with Eagle. I just don’t know yet—I need to see if he really wants me—loves me. If this club will let me stay.
I know I made a mistake six years ago by not telling Eagle what was going on. I didn’t think the club could protect him enough, and I wasn’t willing to take a chance that he’d get hurt for loving me. I didn’t want Belle, or any other women I loved, to be victimized by my evil brothers. But the Dead Dogs can’t win now, the Iron Norsemen are bigger and stronger, fully aware of the past.
I want to wipe all the filth away that links me to the Dead Dogs. To the legacy of violence and pain my brothers caused. The day I killed off Angel Orani, I shed some of that guilt. But being here now . . . I scan the room. That’s when I notice several photographs of me hanging on the walls.
Sam watches as I walk to the bar area to get a closer look. One of my favorite shots, I can’t believe that’s me. All blond curls, with the warmest smile. That girl seems so far away now. I can’t really explain it, what it feels like to look at my old face knowing I’m not the same. I can’t even begin to imagine how Eagle feels looking at me. Knowing the girl he used to love is hiding behind a stranger’s face.
Voices from the main entryway startle me and I turn to see who’s coming in. It’s Tonsils and Belle. Oh God. I don’t want her to find me here. I don’t want to explain myself again. Especially not to her.
I try to make it back to the far side of the room where Sam is standing guard.
“Angel?”
I stop in my tracks.
“It’s okay, sweetie,” she says. “I know you’re alive.”
I twist around expecting to catch a ration of shit. Belle invested a lot of wasted time on me. I’m sure she’s more than disappointed.
“Look at you,” she coos as she rushes forward. “All grown up.”
She opens up her arms and I run to her. It feels right. Mama Belle, that’s what I always called her. I rest my head against her. Years of pent-up sorrow releases. I’ve missed her so much. She runs her hand soothingly down my hair and back.
“It’s okay,” she says over and over. “The brothers forgive you.”
I lift my head. “Really?”
She grips my arms and gives me a gentle shake. “Did you ever doubt them? We’re your family, Angel. No matter how bad things get, no matter how much you try to convince yourself otherwise.”
“I was ready to leave again, Belle. I was so afraid after Eagle found out it was me.”
“You have no choice, baby girl. I have orders.” She pats the beach bag slung over her shoulder. “Eagle is waiting for you at his house.”
I’m suddenly weary. “Why did he send you here?”
She takes my hand and leads me across the room and to the hallway that opens up into several bedrooms in the clubhouse. “To see you, Angel. I needed to confirm it for myself. You’re really alive.”
“I am.” I’m shaking all over, knowing she has more to say.
“Consider this your homecoming, Angel. If you want to be with Eagle again, let him welcome you back in his own special way. However, if you want to leave, the brothers have been given special permission to help you in any way you need. Eagle won’t force you to live a life you don’t want. The choice is yours.”
I’m not sure how to take it, because I’ve never believed in miracles before. But it seems I’m the fortunate beneficiary of one this moment. A second chance with Eagle, a chance to reclaim my life. I look up at Belle. Running is the coward’s way out. And I’ve done enough running. “I want to stay.”
“Good.”
She opens the door and I step into the bedroom.
“Now strip those clothes off and take a quick shower for me.”
The hot water instantly relaxes me. I wash my hair and lather on thick layers of fragrant body wash. I smell like vanilla caramel candy now. After I rinse off, I grab the towel from the nearby rack and wrap it around my body. There’s a smaller towel for my hair.
Belle is waiting for me in the bedroom. There’s a black lace negligée and leather heels on the bed. “I don’t understand.”
“Sure you do.” She pats the chair in front of the dresser. “Sit. Let me spoil you a little bit.”
