Rose
I liewith Rage for a little while longer, until he falls asleep again, then go downstairs for a coffee. Ava and Milly are at the counter having a chat. They both smile when they see me.
“How’s Rage feeling?” Ava asks.
My stomach drops as I remember his face. “He looks awful but has been keeping up with the pain medication. He’s just in his room sleeping.”
“I heard you took a little trip to the fights,” says Milly, her tone curious.
I approach the coffee machine and press the buttons. “Hmm... you heard right.” I turn to them. “I got the full experience and nearly threw up afterward, then got slapped by the loser’s partner because Rage hurt his opponent and they lost money.” I don’t know where the sarcasm came from. I suppose I’m not sure whether to laugh or cry. Rage being hurt was by far the worst thing I’ve ever seen.
There’s silence. They give each other a pointed look.
“How areyoudoing?” Ava asks gently.
I’m not okay, though I’d prefer not to talk about it. We’re friends, but they’re also friends with Rage, and I don’t want to put them in an awkward position. Can I go through this every time he fights? I care for him so much, but I made a promise to myself to put me first.
“I’m dealing with it,” I reply with a frown. “How do you two handle the club coming first and you coming second?”
Milly sighs. “I went through that with Twitch, and it was hell. It took what felt like forever, but in the end he decided I’m the person he loves and I’m his first priority.”
My throat tightens. Rage doesn’t care about me enough yet to put me first. “Excuse me,” I say and dart to the bathroom. Am I supposed to wait around and hope he loves me enough to quit? I spent my last relationship begging and hoping my ex would love me. I can’t do that to myself again. I sit on the toilet, put my head in my hands, and cry.
I finally found someone who supports me, cares for me, is overly attracted to me, and because of all of that, there’s a part of me that begs to stay. We have undeniable chemistry. He’s become what I never knew I needed and craved. I’d love to stay in the hope he’ll put me first, but if I learned anything, it’s that people prove by their actions who they are and how they feel about me.
His family is the club, and his mom and brother. As much as he cares for me, I’m making him feel bad about being who he is. I can’t force him to change.
A knock on the door makes me sit up straight. “Just give me a second,” I say skittishly. I wipe my eyes roughly and grab some toilet tissue and blow my nose.
“I’m just checking you’re okay,” says Ava quietly.
“I didn’t mean to upset you,” Milly adds.
I step out of the bathroom and Ava pulls me into a hug. “Thank you for the support,” I say, glancing between the two of them. “And it’s not your fault, Milly. Rage cares about me, but I question whether he’ll ever put me first.” I exhale a deep breath. “I know how that sounds. We haven’t known each other for long, but I promised myself that I won’t lose myself to another relationship again by hoping my partner will change.”
They both frown. Milly reaches out and hugs me too. “These MC men are loyal. They’d die for each other and for us. It won’t be easy for Rage. He’ll be hurting too. He’s a genuine guy, and I see how much he adores you. If you two are apart, how he searches for you. I’ve never seen him so involved with someone before. I know it’s hard, but don’t lose hope yet. Things can change. It did for me and Twitch. It can for you two as well.”
I smile. It’s nice to hear that other people see how he cares about me too. But it may not be enough.
Milly’s gaze drops to my hand. “Wow, sorry, completely unrelated, but your rings are beautiful. Where’d you buy them from?”
“I’m a jeweler,” I say with a hint of pride. “I made them. I have a business on Etsy.”
Ava gently takes my hand and brings it closer to her face. “You’re so talented. They’re absolutely gorgeous.”
My chest warms. It’s nice to hear others admire my work.
“Can you do my wedding ring?” Milly asks, her eyes lighting up. “I’d love for mine to be unique. Something memorable I can cherish. Fancier than a boring wedding band.”
A smile stretches across my face. She trusts me. It’s a big deal. “I’d love to,” I say excitedly. “Let’s sit down so I can create a design.”
Milly’s grin matches mine. She does a little dance that makes me giggle. “I’m thrilled, but I hope I’m not rushing you.”
I shake my head; I need the distraction. “Not at all. I’ve been itching to return to work, and I’d love to work on a piece with you. I’ll go grab my notebook and we can start.”
I fetch my book, and for the next hour we work on a design. It’s a gold wreath wedding band with leaves—classic, yet original. Something that could be passed down through generations. I’m in love, and judging by the huge smile on Milly’s face, she loves it too.
“I’ve got to find Twitch,” she says, practically bouncing off the stool before rushing away.
