Page 17 of Ethan's Sky

But it would only hurt him more and put the rest of us in harm’s way. I can’t hurt him anymore.

Nor can I cower to him.

“She’s a fucking traitor and a junky whore who got my sister killed and left me to pick up the pieces alone! So, why. The fuck. Is she. Here?”

His words hit his target, but he’s not going to get the response he’s expecting.

Maybe if he hadn’t chosen to come at me in the middle of Gabe’s explanation about my father’s death. Maybe if he’d listenedto what was being said, he’d have understood why I’m here and maybe we could’ve handled things civilly out of respect for my dad if nothing else. But Gabe didn’t fucking listen to me. Ethan isn’t listening to Gabe and is doing exactly what I said he would. Though his reaction is understandable, it’s still disrespectful to me, to Gabe, but most importantly, to Daddy. I might’ve put up with people’s bullshit before, but I’m not the same girl I was back then.

That girl died years ago.

And this woman is pissed.

I don’t drop my gaze or look away. I hold Ethan’s stare with mine. The shit I’ve been through has taught me what I’m really made of, and Iwill notcower to him or anyone else. It’s something they all need to understand.

Hate me all you want, Ethan, but I’m not the little mouse I once was.

“Answer me,”Ethan demands. His words aren’t directed at Gabe, but at me.

Having had enough of everyone’s demands and gruff demeanor, I step forward, speaking directly at him. “My being here hasnothing to do with you, Ethan. I was summoned here because my father’s been murdered, and the club wishes to help me bury him.”

All eyes are suddenly on me. I feel the stares burning into my skin.

Ethan’s head snaps back momentarily so I know he heard me.

The stillness in the room is eerie. The calm before the storm. Gabe hadn’t filled in that last little part about Daddy’s death. Gabe growls.

My chest is tight with trepidation and animosity, but I hold my ground and let the pain and anger of my father’s death take root. They’re my anchor, holding me to reality, keeping me from spewing everything and not giving fuck all if anyone here likes it or not.

But you don’t want their blood on your hands.

Well…

No! Sky! Focus!

Eli growls at Ethan to stand down.

Everyone is quiet; only the sounds of heavy breathing and soft whimpers can be heard as the news of Daddy’s death sinks in.

All eyes are on us, waiting to see what will happen next. Eli’s men stand ready to defend and protect me, while Gabe’s men file in to stand beside Ethan. Whether they plan to hold him back or help him should a fight break out, I have no fucking clue. None of the men in this room owe me their loyalty the way they do the patch on their backs or the men at their sides. The only reason any of them are standing to protect me now is because of my father and what he did for this club and my uncle. He kept their secrets, and those who know, have kept mine. The skeletons he kept hidden, the sacrifices my father made when I was sent away, they’re the kind of ties that bind.

“You need to calm down.” Cash smirks, talking to Ethan. “You’re liable to pop a hemorrhoid talking out your ass so much.” Though ill timed, Cash’s off the cuff remark does as intended, and defuses the situation by several degrees causing some of the men to relax a little in their stance. Unfortunately, it does nothing to calm Ethan’s ire.

I tap Eli’s shoulder to get his attention. When he acknowledges me, I nudge both his and Cash’s arms, pushing for them to move. Both glance at me, and I nod.

I’ll be fine.

Eli gives me room to walk through their muscular barricade, while Cash moves over a single step. He turns my face to his, lifts my chin, and searches my eyes. A low growl comes from Ethan which only serves to make Cash smirk.

Such a punk ass.

Always poking the damn bear.

When Cash sees what he’s looking for…my lack of fear I imagine…my armor in place, he drops my chin giving a slight tip of his own, then finally moves one step more. It’s not because I need his permission, but Cash’s loyaltyisto me.

By protecting me, Cash is being loyal to his president and the orders given to him. Eli tasked Cash years ago with my personal safety and well-being. He takes his job as protector very seriously. He’s been my rock when I needed one.

“A brother’s loyalty is to his club, first and foremost.” I’ve heard those words preached my whole life growing up with an uncle who lives and breathes for his MC family.

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