Page 56 of Jake's Angel

“You think I want money? Avery, this has never been about … Jesus.” Gabe scrubs his hand through his beard. His other hand slams down in a fist on the table. Kicking his chair back into the wall, he stands hovering above her. A wave a panic crashes overher features, but it quickly changes to shock when Gabe hits the floor on his knees before her grasping her hands in his.

“What methods?” Pop snaps, finally cluing in to what Avery was hinting at before. She doesn’t respond to his question. Her eyes staying focused on Gabe.

“I loved your mother, Avery. With every fiber of my being. Maggie was my life and the day we found out about you growing in her belly, we were both so excited we thought we would burst. I wanted you even before I knew she was pregnant. It was one thing we’d always talked about. Her becoming a mother, carrying my babies.” He pauses, taking in several deep breaths. “The day she died, I held her in my arms and watched as the light slipped away from her eyes. I held her as she took her last breath. The pain and guilt I’ve felt since that day has never left me. I should’ve been with her. I was supposed to protect her. I was supposed to protect both of you, and I couldn’t.”

“You told people I was dead? Explain to me how telling people I’m dead—sending me away—translates to you wanting me?” Pres nods once in response. He drags the back of his hand across his brow and down, wiping his eyes.

Taking a deep breath, then letting it out, he looks toward the ceiling and continues to explain. “We didn’t know what happened at the time. But once we discovered her death was no accident—” His eyes meet hers once more. “When we realized there were traitors among us, I did the only thing I could think of to keep you safe.” The sound of the door slamming has caught all our attention. Hawk is hauling ass, following what must have been Sadie out the door.

Caleb nods for Gabe to keep talking. Avery seems to contemplate whether she should go after Sadie or stay here to finish hearing what Gabe has to say.

Tears are streaming down Avery’s face.

“Your mother—Maggie—was murdered.” Gabe’s throat clears. “I sent you to live with Russ, far away from here, because I wanted nothing else happening to you. I couldn’t see any other way. I knew by sending you to live with them, you’d have a decent shot at a long and happy life. To grow up in a town full of opportunities and people who could give you far more than I ever thought I could.” Gabe stands to his feet, still clasping her hands in his. Her eyes are wet with tears, her lips quivering as she mulls over his every word.

There’s a thick silence in the room as no one says a word. We all stare at the scene unfolding before us.

“I did what I thought was the best thing to keep you safe.” As quickly as the peace came into the room, it’s gone with those few words.

Avery’s back straightens, her eyes narrow, and the fire I’ve seen in them has become a raging inferno. She’s on her feet, pulling out of his grasp, heading for the door when she throws out over her shoulder, “What you thought was keeping me safe, and what my life has actually been, are two very different things. If your plan is to keep mesafenow, like you have all these years, I’ll take my chances on my own.” She pauses at the door and glances between Pop and Gabe, then leaves. Before I even realize I’m doing it, I’m out the door, following her. I don’t have a plan once I catch up with her. All I know is I can’t take the look on her face or the nagging feeling in my chest anymore.

I promised her years ago I would take care of her and protect her from anything that wished to harm her, and right now, that includes her family.

Caleb has followed out behind me with his phone to his ear. I hear him talking to what I assume is Liz on the other end when he says, “I know, baby, but I need you to come to the club. Our little Bug is in a mess of confusion and pain, and I think she needs the nurturing only a mother can give her.” He sees mefrom the corner of his eye and motions for me to stand by the bathroom door where both women have disappeared.

“Yeah, Mama, I got you. You just head this way. We’ll keep watch until you get here.” With that, he hangs up and whispers next to me, “I’ve called in the big guns. We just need to keep them here for a few minutes and give Liz time to make the drive.”

“Jayde’s just up the street. I shot her a text a few minutes ago when Sadie stormed out of the room. Any idea what her outburst was about?”

Caleb’s face falls as he releases a deep sigh. “I would imagine she just put together the fact her father is a known traitor who left this club and his family behind shortly after Maggie died. Hearing Gabe retell the story, and as clever as Sadie is, I’m certain she was able to deduce that her father had something to do with her friend growing up never knowing who her real family is.”

Holy shit.

“I can tell by the look on your face you’ve just realized the same thing she has. Sadie’s blaming herself even though it wasn’t her fault. She’s taking on the responsibility for the shit caused by her father to someone she obviously loves. Even if it’s not hers to bear, it’s what Sadie does for the people she cares about.”

Caleb rubs his hand through his hair, deep in thought. “You need to keep a close eye on those two. Both their worlds have been turned upside down, and if I know Sadie, she’s already devising a plan to make things right.”

“Fuck.”

“Hmm.” He agrees. “Avery trusts you. I saw the way she looked to you for reassurance when she felt uneasy. I’m not going to ask how that happened, as I’m sure I don’t want to know.” He offers me a knowing glare, though he couldn’t befurther from the truth. I’ve only kissed her. Although, if he knew all my dirty thoughts and fantasies that she’s recently become the star actress in, he’d probably shoot me where I stand.

“Yeah, I’m sure I don’t want to know, judging by the look in your eyes.” He chuckles. “My point is, she trusts you and so does Sadie Jay. I want you to keep an eye on them. Avery especially. See if you can get her to open up to you. Tell you what she knows about all this shit we’re dealing with.”

Jayde comes barreling through the doors of the clubhouse carrying a big ass purse over her shoulder and a bag full of clothes.

“Where am I headed?”

“They’re in the bathroom.” She shoves past us on the wall, passing Hawk as he’s coming out of the same hallway.

“What do you suppose they’ve been doing in there? I mean, hell, Sadie’s been in there for a good ten, fifteen minutes, easy. I threatened to knock down the door, but all it did was get her to threaten to rip my balls off and shove them in a jar.” Hawk says. Caleb and I both belt out a hearty laugh.

“Well, if she’s threatening your manhood, then she must be feeling better,” Caleb jokes.

“Yeah, no shit, huh?”

“Remember what I said. You too.” He points to Hawk.

“Me too what? I didn’t do anything.” He whines, placing his hand to his chest, pleading his case.

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