Page 36 of Dagger

I can’t take it anymore. I set my fork down with a loud clink and look straight at Tank. “Alright, what’s going on? You’ve been quiet all night.”

He doesn’t answer right away. Just stares at his plate, his jaw working like he’s chewing on the words. Finally, he exhales heavily. “I’ve been thinking about… everything. About Dagger. About the baby.”

My chest tightens, and my eyes snap to Sophie. “You told him about me and Dagger?” I ask, my voice jumping an octave.

Sophie’s eyes go wide, and she shakes her head quickly. “Of course not! You told me not to, and I didn’t!” We both look at Tank for the answer.

Tank leans forward, resting his elbows on the table. His voice is quiet but serious. “Dagger told everyone at church yesterday.”

The words slam into me like a brick wall. “Everyone?What the hell?” I gasp.

Tank nods, his expression apologetic. “Mason made him. They were dealing with why he left and... well, it all came out.”

The room spins. My stomach twists. I think about Hawk—what must he think? What did Dagger tell them? Does he know the baby is his?

Tank shifts in his seat, looking straight at me now. His jaw tightens. “Chloe, I’ve given you your privacy since you told us you were pregnant. As far as I’m concerned, it isn’t my business. But now, I have to know... is Dagger the father?”

I freeze. The words hang in the air like a heavy weight pressing down on me. “I... um...” My eyes dart to Sophie, hoping she’ll jump in and help me out, but she just gives me a small, encouraging nod.

Tank exhales sharply, dragging a hand over his face. “Dagger told the club he left that morning because he had messed up. He knew he wasn’t supposed to fuck you, but he did anyway. Jesus, Chloe, why didn’t you tell me?”

I shake my head, frustration bubbling up. “Tank, it’s not that simple. It’s not what you think.”

He leans back, crossing his arms. “Then explain it to me.”

I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. “He didn’t take advantage of me, if that’s what you’re thinking. Iwantedhim, Tank. That night I wanted it as much as he did.”

Tank narrows his eyes, his brows furrowing. “Chloe—”

“No,” I interrupt, my voice firm. “I’m not a kid, Tank. I made my choice, and so did he. Neither of us knew what would happen. We didn’t know that night would lead to a miracle…” I trail off, resting a hand on my belly. A small smile tugs at my lips. “But it did. It gave me this baby. And I’m not upset about it.”

Tank leans back in his chair, rubbing his hands over his face. “The club was supposed to protect you,” he mutters. “Dagger was supposed to protect you. And now this…” He shakes his head, his voice softer. “It feels like I failed you.”

“You didn’t fail me,” I say, meeting his eyes. “No one did. This isn’t about blame. It’s about figuring out where I go from here.”

Sophie reaches across the table, placing a hand on my arm. “We’ve got you, no matter what.”

Tank nods slowly, “You’re strong, Chloe. I just… I want you to be happy. That’s all.”

“I will be,” I say, trying to sound confident. “I’m working on it.”

We’re sitting on the patio, the evening air heavy with the smell of charred burgers and coleslaw when Dagger appears from around the side of the house. My heart stutters, and my breath catches in my throat. He’s walking toward us, his steps slow and deliberate, his eyes locked on me.

Tank notices him too and is on his feet in an instant, his fists clenching at his sides. “What the hell are you doing here?” he barks, his voice sharp and full of fury.

Dagger doesn’t answer right away. His gaze shifts from Tank to me, his expression unreadable. “Chloe?” he says, his voice rough but direct.

Tank steps forward, his posture stiff, his jaw tight. “You talk tome,motherfucker,” he growls, his voice low and dangerous.

The tension crackles in the air, so thick I feel like I can’t breathe. My chest tightens, my hands trembling slightly as I glance between the two of them. This is about to go south fast.

Sophie stands quickly, her hand resting lightly on Tank’s arm. “Tank,” she says softly, her voice steady but firm. “Let’s go inside. They should talk.”

Tank’s glare doesn’t leave Dagger, but Sophie tugs gently on his arm. After a tense moment, Tank exhales sharply, his shoulders still stiff as he turns and heads for the door.

Sophie glances at me, her eyes full of concern. “We’ll be inside if you need us,” she says gently before following Tank into the house.

The door slides closed behind them, leaving me and Dagger alone on the patio. My heart pounds in my chest as the silence stretches between us, the weight of his presence pulling at me.

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