“What are you talking about?”
“I stood up in front of all our members and called Jericho out, telling him I didn’t approve of what he’d done to you. We settle shit with fists.”
I blinked back tears. Bear had stood for me, it touched me down deep.
“Dare stood up beside Jericho and Rock on the other side, as much as admitting they felt to blame for what happened.” Bear compressed his hands in and out, in and out, until Ollie settled a hand over his. “I punched Dare for being a stupid fuck.”
I bristled, thinking Bear had gone too far. Our fucked-up relationship had very little to do with the club and a lot more to do with our demons.
“I didn’t quit until Jericho hit the floor, then I walked away. I told Rock to stand down, he’d done right, but the stubborn ass stood there. Ten brothers took their shots at him, and Zero almost knocked him out except Thorn picked Zero up and moved him aside so he could knock him out.” Bear’s cold laugh gave me the shivers.
“Thanks for the support, but we both know I’d have had to go sooner or later. I’m not playing by the rules, and that means eventually I would’ve ended up here.”
Bear’s silence spoke volumes, basically agreeing.
“Well, we go to Dallas almost monthly, so you won’t be rid of us.” Ollie clasped my hands. “Kyle doesn’t like many people, but he likes you. We both do, and count on frequent visits.”
I left buoyed by the lunch and the guys’ support, but more Bear’s confirmation that I was doing the right thing—it gave me peace. Only two days until moving day and Bear, Ollie and Zero were all helping me move. They’d sworn not to tell anyone where I’d gone. A fresh start meant I didn’t need any of my old troubles following me to Dallas.
It shouldn’t, but Jericho’s beating made me feel better too.
Over the past couple of days, I understood something else about Jericho. He’d gambled with me, trying to make me work into his plans, trying to make Dare fall into line. When neither of us did, he refused to let it go. I couldn’t forgive the arrogant way he systematically tore apart my little world. He’d blown up my life when his schemes had been threatened and destroyed the first home I’d found in eight years.
I parked in front of the apartment late in the afternoon, planning to load boxes tonight. Walking into the hallway, I stopped short when I saw Dare sitting slumped on the bottom step.
He stood and stuffed his hands in his Levi’s. “I’m here. Sober. I’ll try...” His voice broke. “I’ll tell you anything you want to know, Red.”
Chapter Thirty-Two: Lila
Crumpled on my steps, he didn’t have the confident air that had been his constant companion.
Love swelled inside me. I’d given up hope he’d come back. “Come upstairs.”
He shook his head. “I can’t tell you anywhere I’m going to be again.”
I tugged his hand from his pocket and held it in mine. “Where are we going?”
One side of his mouth quirked up. “There’s a pond and fishing hut, if it’s too cold. I’d...I’d like to be outside when we talk.”
I had my coat on. “Let’s go. Want me to drive?”
He nodded.
At Dare’s direction, I turned down a gravel road and then a dirt path leading to a dock with a wooden bench. A crisp March wind blew, but I didn’t notice the cold. I was warmer than I’d been in months. Dare sat next to me, his thigh touching mine, his hand in mine.
He gulped and turned to face me. “Don’t touch me. Don’t interrupt. And no sympathy.”
“I can’t promise not to touch you, but I can agree to the other two. You definitely don’t need my sympathy. You’re too strong.”
He frowned at me then stared at the water. Standing again, he walked restlessly to the end of the dock, wrestling his demons.
Head down, he sat heavily, the weight of the world resting on his shoulders. “I can’t read or write much.”
That is his big confession? I already knew.
But it had to be only the tip of what poisoned him.
“Yeah, I figured.” I kept my voice flat.
Brows raised, he turned to me. “How the fuck? When?”
I picked my words carefully. “I figured it out when you gave me the dragon tattoo. But I don’t understand what it means to you.”
“But, but you didn’t leave me.” He stuttered, pushing the words out.
I caressed his cheek. “No, I didn’t. I wouldn’t, but I also didn’t understand how it changed your life—like when I disappeared to Oklahoma City.”
He moved away from me.