For the next couple hours, I sit with Valkyrie on the porch as we watch our big brother play with my kids.I never realized how much love I was depriving them of when I stayed with Frankie.Here, they’re surrounded by people who want nothing more than to shower them in affection.Here, they have family.
I’d be failing them if I didn’t let them have that.
“One down.Only an entire club to go through now,” I whisper to Valkyrie.
She reaches out and tangles our fingers together, giving my hand a tight squeeze.“You say the word and I’ll take them all out.Me and you against the world, sister.”
“And I love you for it.Like I said earlier, it’s time to stop running.Aren’t you tired, Kyrie?”
Valkyrie shrugs with a wicked smile.“I’ll rest when I’m dead.”
She sends the swing into motion, and I lean my head against her shoulder, smiling at the happy squeals coming from the twins.
For them, I’ll face anything.
Even the past that broke me.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Afewdaysafterwe hold church and Joker has the run details in place, we prepare to head out.We’re hitting the Florida location first, since it’s the closest to us.
Birdie watches me carefully as I finish the breakfast she made.“Do you think he’s really going to be there?”
I haven’t told her much about our plans, but enough to satisfy her.
The hot coffee scalds my tongue as I swallow the last of my cup down.“Doubtful, but it’s the closest, so it’d be stupid not to check it.There’s going to be brothers here around the clock.Manic is bringing Valkyrie and Devereaux to stay with you all while we’re gone.The gun safe is still in the closet.The code is the same.If anyone shows up who isn’t wearing our colors, use it.Everyone knows what’s going on and they know to identify themselves if they need to approach for any reason.”
Her forehead creases in concern.“Please be careful.Frankie is dangerous.”
I carry my empty plate and cup to the sink before turning to her.
She’s different since she and Cyanide had their talk.Whatever this is between us is brittle as hell.She seeks me out at night to satiate her need or to help her fight her demons away.She stays long enough for us to get off, and then she’s climbing out of my bed to head back to hers.I don’t push her.I continue to let her take the lead, no matter how much I want control.She needs to see that I’m trying.
Birdie is slowly coming into herself, and it’s fucking beautiful.
Instead of pulling her to me like I want to, I open my arms for her to make the choice.She only hesitates for a second before stepping into them.My hands go straight into the back pockets of her cut-off jean shorts, and my chin rests on her head.
“I’ll be as careful as I can, little mama.”
When I pull away, she has her bottom lip tucked between her teeth, her eyes swirling with indecision.Then she fists her hand in my shirt and pulls as she lifts to her toes.Her mouth brushes against mine hesitantly.Fire licks along my spine at the feel of her lips against mine.With a guttural groan, I pull her closer and snake my tongue into her mouth.
Our first kiss in seven fucking years.
It’s a motherfucking homecoming.
Eventually, she slides her mouth from mine with a blissful sigh.Her eyes hold a dreamy quality to them as she runs her index finger over her wet lips.
Fuck, I’m unable to peel my gaze from her.
I bracket her waist, my thumbs caressing the bare skin that peeks out between her shorts and cropped t-shirt.“Thank you.”
Her nose scrunches in that cute fucking way it used to in the past and I chuckle, giving the tip of it a peck with my lips.
She sighs.“Come back safely.The kids would be sad if something happened to you.”
I raise a brow.“Just the kids?”
Birdie narrows her eyes and pulls away.“Yes.”
