I hear the creaking of the floorboards, turning to find Alexander standing at the opening to the kitchen.
“I’m fine, Alexander. Just give me time.” I turn my back to him. I don’t want his sweet words right now. I look out the window, watching the storm clouds gather for a summer storm. How appropriate for the mood of the day.
“I fucked up again?” he questions. The hint of playfulness in his voice.
“No, this one’s on me.” I hang my head, holding back the tears I know what to fall.
“It hurts me to see you upset and hurt.” I can sense him moving forward.
“No,mo chroi. I hurt myself. I wanted a family and I pictured one with you. The fear in your voice, the notion that there will never be a good time. I accepted your fear with the ink on my shoulder. I chose you and this life now. Just give me time to finally realize I can’t change your mind.” I brush past him and head to the bathroom, grabbing my phone from the bedroom and shutting the door behind me. I put my hand over my mouth to muffle the cries escaping me. Why is this so hard to accept?
Because I am picking between the future in front of me over the future I planned in my head.
I went from being hopelessly in love and wanting to protect everyone at all costs to a mess on a bathroom floor, hoping no one sees this struggle or weakness. My phone dings in my hand. I open it to see a message.
Unknown:You want things to end once and for all?
Once and for all?
Me:Who is this?
Unknown:Someone who can end everything. Someone who can end the pain, the worry, the sleepless nights.
This could be a trick. A trap. But part of me is desperate.
Me:Friend or foe?
I wait for a response.
Unknown:I’ll let you decide, Ms. Bjorn. Wouldn't want anything to happen to your love.
I can’t wait anymore. I’m ending this once and for all. For the community, for the foundation, to protect Alexander from harm.
Me:When and where?
Unknown:The new building, 9 o’clock tonight.
Me:I’m under watchful eyes. Not exactly the easiest to slip away from.
I tap my thigh in impatience, still waiting for their reply.
Unknown:Leave that to me. Just be ready. Tell no one. You get one chance, Ms. Bjorn.
I lock my phone. One chance. One chance to end everything in one foul swoop. One terror leaving the streets. One less threat. A chance for Alexander and the club to breathe. I await the signal for my chance to leave. I look at the clock; I have an hour and a half and Alexander isn’t leaving anytime soon.
I hear a knock at the door. “Teresa, I have to go.”
Damn, that was quick; mystery man meant business. “Where are you going?” I inquire.
“Meeting at the compound. Something’s speeding up the timeline. Rawlings didn’t request you, but I’ll fix that, Little Cub. You gonna at least open the door for me?” I can hear the weight of his body hit the door, possibly leaning against it. I oblige. I open the door to find him towering over me, completely dressed.
“There she is.” He cups my face with his hands and bends down to softly kiss my lips, a slight note of love and tenderness.
“I love you. Don’t hide from me. I’m not leaving you,” he says.
"I know,mo chroi,” I whisper, as he leaves through the front door. Once I see him leave, it’s time to put on my armor. Things are going to change tonight.
Chapter 30