Pulling my cell from my pocket, I find my chat with Kat.
Ryder: Diesel knows, everyone is still alive, and I’m missing my kitten. How fast can you get here?
37
KAT
“I’m so happy for you,” River says after I finish telling her about everything that’s happened.
She knew most of it, of course.
Bikers gossip more than a bunch of old ladies. But I wanted her to hear my side of the story.
I wanted to apologize.
“I still can’t believe it,” I breathe, fluffing out the curls in my long glossy hair. “I didn’t ever think… I’d get to have both of them, Riv.”
“It’s great, isn’t it?” She gives me a secretive, knowing smile.
“It really, really is.” I smile back and another piece of my shattered heart heals. “I just hope D understands.”
“He will. And if he doesn’t, I’ll make him. Are you ready?”
“Almost.” I study myself in the mirror. The tight black dress looks like it’s painted on, hugging my curves to perfection. The black leather jacket and boots give it that Kat Walker edge. I look hot; hot enough that my men won’t know what to do with themselves when they see me.
Or do with me.
The thought makes me blush, and River chuckles.
“Damn, you’ve got it bad.”
I do.
I really, really do.
Applying some red gloss over my lips I smack them together and smile.
Things are going to be okay.
I realize that now.
I’m not alone—I never was. I have River and my brother and the guys. I have Aunt Cassie and the club at my back. They’ll hold me up when I fall. Give me strength when I’m weak. They’ll love me regardless of my faults, of the mistakes I’ve made. The ones I have yet to make.
A ball of emotion lodges in my throat.
“Are you okay?” River asks, and I nod, shoving down the tears welling inside me.
“I am.” I smile.
I really, really am.
Just then, my phone pings and I pluck it up, my heart kicking up a notch at the sight of Ryder’s name.
Ryder: Diesel knows, everyone is still alive, and I’m missing my kitten. How fast can you get here?
A smile curls at my lips, spreading through me like wildfire. Diesel knows—he knows the truth and it’s okay.
Everything is going to be okay.