Ellis begged."We made a mistake, backtracked, and didn't tell anyone. I thought we deserved her groveling and one bad choice nobody even had to know about."
Jamie's rage was palpable, and the shuffling sounds were aggressive. "You motherfu?—"
"Jamie, stop!"I think I stopped breathing at that point.
"You don't deserve anything from that sweet girl. All she's done is try to protect everyone else. She was already vulnerable beyond what you can comprehend. You made me the bad guy, too. You damaged a relationship that took five fucking years tobuild all because you were childish enough to believe the real world should be run by tit for tat.
"I don't know how you plan on being worthy of her or mending the pieces you've shattered. All I know is Violet is surrounded by a fucking army ready to protect her against you. I plan to prove I am not the bad guy you've made me. Where you fit in and what you do will be closely monitored by her family. Figure your shit out, because as of right now, my focus is on Violet. Consider me off limits until you get your shit together. If that day ever comes, that is."
Then the recording ended, and I was struck silent.
Now I'm fucking sitting at my grandma's counter trying to ignore Jamie, Nate, and Ellis making travel plans. I guess the three of them decided I would ride home with Jamie, and Nate would take my car.
Jamie threatened him of course, and while I appreciate it, he still gave Nate permission to drive my car. I didn't protest, so what does that say about me?
None of this feels normal. It's too cozy and domesticated. We aren't together...
I'm reeling after hearing all the confessions from the recording. Honestly, it's ruining my mood for waffles. While that would be disappointing on a normal day, I'm stuck in this fucking house until Jamie brings me back to Mom's.
I'm too sleepy to go against my alphahole, currently nudging more bacon at me. Jamie knows the way to my heart and how to keep me from lashing out. A good fuck, a hot shower, and foodwill do it. I just really wish the four of us didn't have so much pain lingering between us.
"Will Levi be pissed?" Ellis whispers to Nate, drawing my attention. "I'll find a gym at home. Maybe not boxing, but a personal trainer who puts emphasis on running would help."
"You'll actually do it?" Nate presses with his arms crossed over his chest. He looks so stern, it makes me wiggle on the bar stool.
Ellis nods. "Yes. Of course. Levi was right. I need somewhere for this energy to go, and Ican'tlet itfunnel into my relationships anymore."
"I know a guy," Jamie interjects and glances at me before adding. "He's friends with Bash. Bet I can hook you up with a gym membership."
"You mean the fucking MC guy who saved Violet?" Ellis scowls and looks ready to reject his idea.
"If you want to prove your growth, then I know a guy who will actually demand you get your shit together." Jamie shrugs and bends down to kiss my cheek. "Your choice."
Why am I here?I shouldn't be here for this. I don't want to be. Do I?
My gaze travels from Jamie who raises an eyebrow, and Ellis who's staring at me with so much longing it physically hurts. I don't know what he sees in my face, but he jerks his head in a determined nod. "Anything. I'll take the help. Thank you, Jamie."
"You're welcome," Jamie replies and wraps an arm around me. "Ready to go back to Blue? Your phone hasn't stopped ringing for the past five minutes."
Shoot!Jumping from my chair, I shuffle to my phone and see Cassidy and Mom have been trying to get ahold of me.They're going to have so many questions...
Twenty-Two
JAMIE
Our drive back to Detroit is coming to an end. While I'm excited to be back in my own space, I'm nervous about the changes coming. Our unknown future makes me nervous and a bit more possessive than normal.
Which is probably why I've already decided Violet's coming to stay with me tonight instead of back at her apartment. It doesn't help that she's been crying on and off during the car ride. Leaving her mom after everything that's happened recently has made her emotional.
Holding her thigh isn't enough. I need to comfort her and hold her. Violet's hurting, and being stuck in the driver's seat is far too much of a divide.
Glancing over at my girl, I watch the slow rise and fall of her chest as she dozes against the window. I've soothed her right back to sleep each time she's jolted awake. It's late, plus she's still healing. I know she struggled to leave Blue and her family, but I wish I could have gotten her home sooner.
The city lights highlight her messy hair and slightly parted lips. She's fucking beautiful after an evening of traveling and crying. I don't love the swollen spaces beneath her eyes—they remind me how much she needs a hug.
I'm gonna snuggle the shit out of her in about fifteen minutes. That is, if she lets me. Who am I kidding? I'll love her until she gives in and realizes it's a better idea to sleep in my bed with me than alone in her sad apartment.
When I convince her to move in with me, I'm going to demand she buy all the decorations she wants. Her room is fucking ridiculous. Someone so full of life shouldn't live in such a depressing fucking room.
