That’s what she deserves. What I planned to be for her. Until my whole life got fucked to hell and back.
To keep myself sane, I’d dreamed of a life with Rosie outside the prison walls. It was foolish. I’d suspected she’d moved on, but still, I’d allowed myself to fantasize about the life we’d have together once I was free. That even if she’d found someone, she’d drop him the second she laid eyes on me again.
Stupid. Childish, even. Prison has a way of reducing every man to using the most rudimentary coping mechanisms.
Those foolish dreams are dead now. Invisible ash crumbling to the ground at our feet.
“Did you ever go back to med school?” I ask.
“No.” She shakes her head. “I couldn’t.”
One of many things I ruined for her. Serves me right. Long ago, I crushed her dreams. Now, it’s time for karma to return the favor. I deserve nothing less.
“Take care, Rosie.”
“You too, Grayson.” She squeezes my hand gently. “I’m happy you’re free. Please take care of yourself. Stay on the outside.”
Too spent for words, I grunt and shuffle to the truck.
I glance back once, and it’s like falling through time.
Rosie standing in the doorway with tears in her eyes, watching me walk away.
Only now, I’m not being shoved into the back of a police car, wearing handcuffs.
I may be free, but the one thing I convinced myself I wanted more than anything is dead.
Time killed everything. Stole every dream I’ve ever had.
And yet somehow, I’m still breathing.
Chapter Ten
Serena
Serena,
I need to take care of some things.
I’d like to see you later.
G.
Is he serious?
I stare at the note but it doesn’t change. A few impersonal words. No apology for running off.
Well, at least I didn’t spread my legs for him. I can scurry out of here with most of my dignity.
I yank out my phone. The battery indicator is a sad shade of red. But I have enough juice to send Amanda a quick text.
Me: Leaving in ten. Meet me out front.
She answers predictably and immediately.
Amanda: Rav said he’ll bring me home.
Of course. Perfect.
Angry at myself for breaking my own damn rules, and not even getting an orgasm for my troubles, I jerk my sweater off the chair and pull it on. My keys jingle as I scoop my jeans from the floor. I lace up my boots and I’m ready to go.
The upstairs hallway is quiet at this hour. Thank God. Hopefully, I can escape without running into anyone.
Poor Serena, getting the boot after servicing another brother.
I growl in frustration and hurry down the stairs as quietly as possible.
A bunch of bodies are passed out in the living room, draped over couches or cushions on the floor. A porn movie flickers over the big-screen television. Thankfully, the sound is muted. No one seems to be awake to even watch it.
I make it outside without encountering a single functioning soul.
Thank God.
“Morning, Serena.” Hope’s soft voice carries through the quiet morning.
My eyes squeeze shut for a second before I force a smile and face her.
She’s carrying a beautiful little girl with reddish-gold hair, dazzling eyes, chubby pink cheeks, and a big smile. All wrapped up in some sort of neon-pink fuzzy winter snowsuit. I’d forgotten she and Rock have a daughter.
I choke and blink. A kick to the gut would hurt less.
“Morning,” I croak. I can’t stop staring at the baby. “I’m not sure you want to go in there with her.”
Hope’s nose wrinkles. “That bad, huh?”
“Well, there’s porn on the television in the living room.” I force another smile.
“No,” she coos and kisses her daughter’s cheek. “We don’t need that.”
“She’s so precious,” I murmur.
“Grace, do you want to say hi to Serena?”
Grace waves at me, and my heart melts. “Hi, Grace,” I whisper.
“You’re not staying for breakfast?” Hope asks.
Old Serena would’ve stayed and helped out in the kitchen. Anything to prove my loyalty and help the club. “I can’t.” I gesture toward the driveway but don’t offer a reason. “You, uh, didn’t see Grinder leave this morning, did you?”
“No, I didn’t.” Her green eyes flash with sympathy. “I’m sorry.”
I don’t want her pity. Jesus. Ice-cold embarrassment washes over me. Every time this woman’s met me, I’ve been with a different brother. All right, that’s probably an exaggeration, but still.
I shiver and cross my arms over my chest. “We didn’t…it’s not…”
She shakes her head. “You don’t owe me any explanations.”
This is why I’ve liked her since the first time we met. She’s always been kind and talked to me like I’m a normal person, not a she-wolf out to devour her man.
She tilts her head toward one of the garages. “Rock and Z are in the garage and you know how that goes.” She rolls her eyes but it’s said with affection.
“They could be in there ‘fixing stuff’ all morning,” I tease.