There’s no space in my life for anyone outside my circle. My family. That hasn’t changed—and it won’t. Not because of some dumb ache in my chest. Not because Talon’s laid out in a hospital bed fighting for his life.
The one thing keeping my head on straight? The snide comments. The dirty looks. The judgment. They remind me this isn’t my life. Never was. Never will be.
Being back in the thick of this mess only sharpens the reality… but not enough. Nothing is ever that clean. Sam sentme here. Said it was business. Said it was my duty—as a sister, and his Consigliere. I know he meant well. He knows I’m loyal and efficient. That I get shit done, but evenhecouldn’t have predicted this.
I. DO. NOT. WANT. TO. BE. HERE.
After Axel went full green monster and tried to cave my head in, Armand and the boys insisted I come to the hospital and get checked out. I didn’t argue. Mistake. My family took that as weakness. As permission to hover.
Merda.
Apparently, I’m a delicate little flower now. They forget who the fuck I am. And I’m trying—reallytrying—not to let Wind-Up Barbie, Whiny Wendy, Dick Dickerson, and the Clueless Crew make me snap. But my patience has limits.
We’re staying. No matter what the club says. We’ve got unfinished business. And secrets—ones buried deep for a decade. Armand and Malikai put their heads together. Between them, we know more than the MC does. Talon’s condition wasn’t some freak accident. Someone tried to kill him.
In broad daylight.
And based on the way Axel and his cum-catching shadow reacted? They’re dumb enough to thinkIhad something to do with it. So, here we are. Another day. Another damn staring contest. These people make my melanin itch.
I don’t want to be here.
I do not want to fucking be here.
If I slip and accidentally slit someone’s throat, I willnotlose sleep over it. That’s where I’m at. They’re testing my limits, and I have none left to give. The kids are almost grown. Talon and his club? They’re not my responsibility anymore. Haven’t been for a long time. Harsh? Maybe. But it’s the truth. Sam would say I should help because I’m here for a reason. I’ve spentseventeen yearshelping. And what has that gotten me?
Nothing.
He’d say I have unresolved feelings. One being I needed to forgive Talon. Sam can kick rocks. Axel and his dollar store Barbie can kick them, too. All the seats. Take them.
I’m tired.
How can I forgive a man who used me like a game piece? Who played me into loving him just to toss me aside? How am I supposed to help people who’ve done nothing but run their mouths and disrespect me, then and now? I doubt Icanforgive. And even if I could, it won’t be today. I take a breath. Then another. And when I speak, I make sure the venom in my voice is laced with steel.
“Unfortunately, I don’t give a damn about your patience or your opinion. I care about your club doing its fucking job. Our business relationship is what matters. Personal bullshit means nothing to me.”
I hold Axel’s eyes, let him feel it. “Let’s not forget, Axel… you work for me.”
His jaw ticks, but he says nothing.
Yeah. Thought so.
Before he can open his mouth, Armand barrels into the room. A few MC members glare from the doorway like they’re on some middle school gossip train.
Grown-ass men, hovering like bitches.
Armand ignores them, eyes locked on mine.
“It was Satan’s Keepers,” he says.
I narrow my eyes. “How do you know?” I ask.
He huffs. “One of the girls who runs with them. She heard their president bragging about taking Talon out. She called me.”
Merda.
I stare at him, ignoring the questioning eyes on us. Vera is the only one who could understand our conversation besides my children, and I don’t think she’s paying much attention. So I let the weight of that settle.
“Well… that changes things,” I mutter, running a hand through my hair.
