And then Sin appears, offering his hand to Queenie with a small bow. My grandmother preens like a teenager, accepting his hand and letting him lead her onto the makeshift dance floor. Queenie loves her monthly dance with Sin. Watching them dance together is like watching two different versions of the same story. He’s the president, stoic and controlled, carrying theweight of every decision on his shoulders. But right now, with my grandmother in his arms, moving carefully to accommodate her age and fragility, he’s just a good man doing something kind.
That’s what we are beneath the leather and the reputation.
Good men trying to do right by the people who matter.
I stand at the edge of the room, watching my family, both blood and chosen, bring happiness to people the world has largely forgotten. My flute rests against my leg, still warm from playing, and I can’t remember the last time I felt this settled.
Like all the pieces of who I am finally fit together.
Damon Blackwell, who inherited billions and runs a business empire.
Nitro, VP of Las Vegas Defiance MC, who protects his brothers and moves gold through the desert.
And… just me.
The guy who plays flute for older people and falls for redheads with quirky glasses and a laugh like sunshine.
Maybe Queenie is right.
Maybe I don’t have to choose between versions of myself.
Maybe I have to find someone who loves all of them.
And maybe I already have.
The music swells, and I watch my brothers dance, laugh, and care for these people who need caring for. Tomorrow night is the gala. Tomorrow night, I’ll stand beside Marley in front of her entire office and pretend to be her doting boyfriend.
But maybe it’s time to stop pretending.
Maybe it’s time to tell her the truth about who I am and how absolutely gone I am for her.
The thought terrifies me, but as I watch Sin spins Queenie in a careful circle while she laughs like a young girl, I realize something important.
Love is worth the fear.
Marley is worth the fear.
I need to push through it and be fearless.
And tomorrow night, I’m going to tell Marley exactly that.
Even if it scares me more than anything I’ve faced in my forty-three years of living, I’m going to jump off that cliff and pray she catches me.
Because some things, some people, are worth being fearless for.
Chapter Sixteen
NITRO
The Next Evening
Standing outside Marley’s apartment door, I’m wearing a goddamn tuxedo like a fucking penguin, and I can’t remember the last time I felt this nervous.
The tailored black jacket fits perfectly, custom-made, because nothing off the rack accommodates shoulders like mine, and the bow tie is already making me want to rip it off and throw it into the Nevada desert. But when I catch my reflection in the hallway mirror, I barely recognize myself.
I cut my scruffy beard shorter, I’m wearing cologne, my hair is styled back in a way that makes me feel like a damn imposter, and this fucking penguin suit is probably more expensive than my Honda Civic. I can’t help it as I let out an aggressive exhale, pulling at my cuffs for the umpteenth time.
I’m dressed likeDamon Blackwell.
