“I didn’t hurt you, though, right?”
Inhale . . . Exhale . . .
“No, of course not. You wouldn’t ever hurt me, Olivia, or mom. We all know that.”
“I would never want to.”
“Are you okay, Diablo?”
Inhale . . . Exhale . . .“No, my man. I’m not.”
“Because of me and what I did?”
“Never,” I replied firmly. “I’m trying to convince myself that I shouldn’t leave you now to murder the man that hurt you.”
Rev gasped. “Jack?”
Inhale . . . Exhale . . .“Yes.”
“How did you know?”
I finally stared into his eyes as mine snapped open. “Your nightmare, first. But touching your blood confirmed it.” His eyes grew wide. “You understand my club is different? That I’m different?”
“I do.” He lifted his fist, bumping mine as we created a silent pact. “I won’t tell.”
“I’m here for you. You feel me? Every. Fucking. Day.”
Rev blinked back tears. “Yeah.” He rushed into my arms, wrapping them around me in a quick embrace. Before anyone could see it, he backed away, brushing any trace of his tears aside. “Don’t ever leave.”
“I won’t,” I promised. “I’m here for your mama, you, and Olivia. We’re gonna be a family.”
Rev’s shoulders relaxed as he blew out a breath. “Okay.”
“Do me a favor, Rev.”
“Yeah?”
“Stop cussin’ all the damn time. Your mama is gonna kick my ass.”
He barked a laugh. “Yeah, okay. I’ll try.”