Page 99 of Unveiled Wounds

I pinched his side. “Fuck me for caring.”

He laughed. “There’s my wife.” He leaned so that our heads were close together. “I’m fine, but I know you’re still secretly worried. Why don’t you roam around, and I’ll stay with Pumpkin? It’ll set your mind at ease.”

“You sure?” If he needed me, I would stay right here.

“Yeah, but I’ll take that beer when you grab a chance.” He smiled, and this time, I believed him.

Roaming around, I checked in with each person I came across, asking if I could get them anything. The first couple of people told me they were fine, but I wanted to ask them who they thought they were lying to. I didn’t, and eventually, I went to the bar and asked the prospect for bottles of beer. No one would pass up a refill, and it made checking in much easier.

I was on my third beer pass when I sidled up to Dead. He was sitting at the end of the bar, texting, but when he saw me, he flipped his phone over. “I don’t care right now. Take the last one,” I said, handing him my last bottle.

“You care. If you didn’t, you wouldn’t be roaming around the room, dishing out beer.” He took a swig, tipping the bottle in my direction.

“It’s easier to get people to tell you if they need something when you hand them a drink. Are you alright?” I shrugged, playing this conversation off like it wasn’t a big deal.

“I’ve survived worse, girlie pop, but I’m probably going to end up staring at the animal channel tomorrow.” He took another swig of the beer, as the prospect manning the bar dropped six more in front of me.

“Good. I have work to do, and the animal channel drowns out the incessant chatter,” I teased, leaning in closer. “I would hug you, but I know you don’t like to be touched. Let’s just say I would lose it if you weren’t alright.” His chuckle followed me as I floated around some more.

Once I’d touched base with everyone in the room, I sat next to Grizz again, nursing my beer. He tried to thank me, but I cut him off. I hadn’t done it for gratitude or recognition. It was hard to explain, and I didn’t bother trying. Maybe one day, I would have the words, but Grizz seemed to understand. I had chosen the Iron Shield as a part of my family.

***

Grizz

I sat on the front porch steps, staring out into the yard. After they had completed the cleanup and the vault had been opened, no one had wanted to leave the main room. It had become overwhelming for me, and I’d told Meredith where I was heading. I needed to clear my head, and she’d understood.

The front door opened behind me, but I didn’t turn around to check who it was.

“How do you feel? Since it’s over,” Sabre asked, as he sat next to me on the stairs.

“I’m relieved.” I paused. “It might not be over if Manuel rears his ugly head, but for now, I’m going to enjoy the calm.”

“It’s well earned.” He chuckled. “I’m getting married. You’re already married. We have children. My parents would have loved every minute, teasing the fuck out of us.”

“Did I ever tell you your father sat me down for a chat?” He wasn’t the only one who’d been remembering the past of late.

“No. You’re holding out.”

“It was right after my father disappeared.” A look passed between us. “I don’t remember all of it, but he told me that if I wanted to be a good man, I needed to pay attention to my father’s flaws.” Taking a deep breath, I went back to staring out into the yard. “I didn’t understand what he meant until now.”

Sabre made a noise, letting me know he was still listening but also letting me gather my thoughts.

“I’m my father’s son. He was a known womanizer, and for years, I thought I could avoid his flaws if I didn’t commit. I walked into the bar, saw her on the dance floor, and instantly wanted to be her groom. I honestly thought it would be over if I just got one taste.”

He laughed, shoving me in the shoulder as a smile crept on my lips.

“I haven’t looked at another woman and actually seen them since, and when I realized I wasn’t seeing them, it scared me. Maybe that’s why I tried to control the situation, but I’m lost in her world, and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”

“I get it. JR and I have already talked. His mother is the most important person in my world, and he’s going to hate every minute.” We laughed at the thought. “I didn’t help you get the vote. The brothers saw your relationship, and they made their own assumptions.”

“Want to get drunk?” I smirked at him.

“I hid a couple of bottles of good whiskey in my office.”

Chapter 37

A Family Sunday

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