"Then we deal with him." His jaw tightens. "I meant what I said at church. We don't hurt women. And we don't look the other way when other people hurt them either."
The words settle into me, warm and reassuring.
This is who he is. This is who the club is supposed to be.
Not just criminals and outlaws, but protectors. Family.
"I love you," I say.
His hand comes up to cup my face. "I love you too."
I lean down to kiss him, soft and slow.
When I pull back, his eyes are dark with something that makes my pulse quicken.
"What day is it?" he asks.
The question catches me off guard. "Thursday. Why?"
"No, I mean the date."
I have to think about it. Days have been blurring together lately. "October... fifteenth?"
"October sixteenth."
"Okay. October sixteenth. What's significant about—" I stop. Something tugging at the edge of my memory. October sixteenth. October sixteenth.
Oh.
"It's my birthday," I say slowly.
Levi nods.
"I forgot." The realization hits me like a wave. "I completely forgot my own birthday."
"Cain didn't celebrate them, did he?"
"No. He said they were stupid. Childish." I shake my head, marveling at how thoroughly he erased even the simplest joys from my life. "I can't believe I forgot."
"Good thing I didn't." Levi sits up, reaching for something on the nightstand. "Close your eyes."
"What?"
"Just do it."
I close my eyes, curiosity and something like excitement bubbling in my chest.
I hear him moving around, hear the click of a lighter, smell the faint sulfur of a match.
"Okay. Open them."
I open my eyes.
He's holding a cupcake.
A single chocolate cupcake with white frosting and a candle stuck in the top, the tiny flame casting dancing shadows across his face.
"Happy birthday," he says.
