Page 26 of Tattooed Love

“Because I was in love, and stupid.” I snapped back.

Troy raised his eyebrows questioningly, while Cole was still staring at the table,most likely bathing in embarrassment. Out of all my brothers, he had always been the most protective. Maybe now he was realizing he’d failed.

I sighed and began to explain.

“Well, the evening I mentioned before,” I started, knowing they would all know what night I was speaking about.

They all nodded their heads slightly.

I glanced at each of them, just to make sure we were all on the same page.

“I was, well… attacked,” I confessed. “And that is putting it mildly.”

Cole snapped his head up, Tyler’s jaw dropped, Adam looked stunned and Troy stiffened.

I put my hands up so they wouldn’t interrupt or start asking questions, especially that one stupidquestion that made my blood boil.Are you ok?’’

I ran my hands through my hair again, and continued to explain.

“That was the night I met Blake Edwards. You all know him. He is the leader of the HellBound. You guys do a lot of business with him,” I paused for a second, not giving them any time to agree or disagree. They all knew Blake, I already knew that. This fact didn’t need to be confirmed.

“So, I met Blake the night of the party. He was a real charmer…” I smiled, thinking back to that night.

‘Then I ran into you lot”.

“You can skip that bit,” Cole blurted, before I could progress.

I continued, disregarding his statement.

“Anyway, long story short, I was distraught, and I left. I just took off. I had had a fair bit to drink as well. I don’t remember much about the attack. Just that I was grabbed and… I won’t get into the details. It’s my scar to carry,” I disclosed.

Taking a deep breath, I carried on.

“I remember a guy fighting my attacker off me. He was too late, but that didn’t stop him from beating the shit out of my attacker.” I paused. It was unpleasant to share these memories with them, but it would answer some of their questions.

“I vaguely remember being carried away, as I watched the scum bag writhing on the ground. When I awoke, I was in hospital, with Blake holding my hand. I had barely spoken to him, but there he was with bruised knuckles, holding my hand.” I spoke quietly, but continued with my explanation.

“And, yes, dad knew what had happened. I told him that he was, under no circumstances, to tell you guys. That’s why he never did,” I informed them. “Anyway, I don’t feel like sharing every memory with you guys because, like it or not, I don’t want to. So that was how I met Blake.”

I took a deep breath. I knew I would have to add more for them to understand.

“Needless to say, Blake and I became friendly after that evening, then fell in love, and became stupid, but I joined the HellBound with my head clear; it was what I wanted at the time. Blake didn’t encourage the idea, but he would do anything to make me happy, so I pledged. I don’t need to tell you guys about what I did as a member of the gang; I think you guys have a fair idea,” I reasoned. “But that isn’t the point now. I don’t want to talk about any of it anymore. To finish my story - Blake and I are over, and I am no longer a HellBound member, unless they call me up which they can do, because I’ve got the ink.”

Sure the story had gaps, but there was little chance I would honestly tell them everything. I had informed them of the main points. Now to wait for the questions.

I leaned back in the chair and sighed.

“So you guys can shoot me questions now,” I said. It was already like being lined up in front of a firing squad.

The room fell into silence.

Their expressions were blank.

Bad sign or good?

“Miss Amber?” our butler sang from the entrance of the doorway of the dining room.

“Yes,” I responded, taking my eyes off my brothers and directing my attention to him.

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