“Then why’d you push her away?” Toby’s gaze hardened. I felt Track’s on me too.
The restaurant was busy with the lunch crowd. I let my eyes wander around the dining room as I drank my beer. Maria and another woman rushed around, delivering baskets of chips and salsa to tables. All the while, I could only think of one response.
I leveled my gaze on Toby’s. “She deserves better.”
He ripped off part of the label on his bottle, nodding. “Maybe, but she wants you.”
“And that doesn’t concern you? I’m the president of an outlaw MC. I have enemies. We’ve been dealing with a lot of shit from a nomad club. They’re trying to take over our territory. Shit, they’ve even been to her house. Why do you think I called you?” I slammed my hand down. “She’s better off without me.”
“Sounds like she needs you to keep her safe.” Toby gritted his teeth and fisted his hand on the table. He wasn’t wrong. Madeline did need me to keep her safe.
I dragged my hand across my cheek. “If you felt that way, why’d you let her leave the compound?”
“Man, don’t throw this shit on me. I only discovered you were with my little sister last night.” Toby guzzled his beer.
“She doesn’t know I killed Tommy. Once she knows the truth, she’ll hate me.” I rubbed my sweaty palms on my thighs. Talking about Madeline put me on edge, not knowing what she thought of me.
“She knows.”
I blinked several times. “What?”
“I told her about it last night. Stop saying you killed Tommy. You’re such an idiot.” Toby sagged in his seat. “It was an accident. We were both there. You never would’ve hurt him on purpose. I know it. You know it. Stop with the ‘I killed him’ shit.”
“Thank you!” Track threw his hands up. “I never believed he killed your brother, but I only knew his side.” He turned toward me. “You gotta let it go, brother.”
“I can’t.” I pinched the bridge of my nose, focusing on Toby. “I destroyed your family. You were all so good to me. You took me in when I didn’t have a mother around and treated me like a Hamilton. I broke your happy little family. I hate myself for it.”
“Why’d you finally call me after all these years?” Toby’s question threw me for a loop.
I could tell Toby didn’t like dwelling on the past, but it was alive in me. “What do you mean?’
“You called wanting to get together. After not hearing from you in a dozen years, you sounded happy. It was because of Maddy, wasn’t it?” He searched my face, making me shift in my seat. His eyes were hard. “Having her in your life lifted the crushing weight of guilt you placed on yourself, didn’t it? Having her in your life set you free, didn’t it?”
“None of it matters. She’s Tommy’s little sister.” I didn’t deserve to be happy or in love when Tommy’s life was cut short by my hands.
“She’s my little sister, asshole.” He leaned forward in his seat. “You’re breaking her heart. I’m not okay with that. If she loves you, don’t screw it up.”
“You’re seriously okay with us being together?” I cut my eyes to his. Leave it to Toby to not complicate things. It was how all the Hamiltons were. They were kind, understanding people. Accepting, non-judging, and loving. Dammit. Those were all the qualities Madeline stole my heart with, along with her sexy curves, sultry voice, and those baby blues that sucked me in. No wonder I fell in love with her.
“If it’s what you both want, you have my blessing. Not sure my parents would feel the same, but everyone knows Maddy does as she pleases.” The corner of his lip curled.
I chuckled. “Don’t I know it. Your sister has given me hell from the very beginning.”
Damn, I loved her.
“I bet she has. She’s smart, independent, and strong. She’s going to fight for you.” Toby put his elbows on the table and leaned toward me, leveling his gaze on mine. “You want her fighting for you, brother, because the moment she stops, you’ve lost her for good. You think long and hard about if you want her before making any rash decisions.”
The ache in my chest eased up and I could breathe a little better. No question I wanted, Madeline…Maddy. There was nothing to think about. I loved her and didn’t want to go through life without her.
I only hoped she wantedmebecause I sure as hell wantedher.