Page 92 of Legacy

My mouth snaps shut.

“Last night messed with my head, and I needed some time to process it. Still, I should have responded to you earlier.”

“Okay?” It’s more of a question than an answer because I don’t know what to make of Jesse apologizing when he’s the one who has been through hell. “How are you doing?”

“Honestly… not great. But I’m better when I’m with you.” His gaze fixes on me.

We stare at each other in the dark room, lit only with the soft glow of the moon shining through the window.

“How is Sera doing? Is she—”alive?

I swallow, not able to say the word out loud.

“She’ll be okay. But it’s going to be a rough few weeks. We’ve got her taken care of at the clubhouse, and she’s resting for now.”

“And the people who did that to her?” I drag my teeth over my lower lip. “They did it because of your club?”

“Yeah.” His jaw tenses.

Jesse has always warned me his club brings trouble. That his life is dangerous. I’m just now seeing the depth of that and how it impacts the people around him.

“You’re safe here.” He rubs the back of my hand with his thumb. “I promise I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

I want to believe him, but his voice is strained. I doubt he wanted them to hurt Sera either, but they got to her. And even if it’s not his enemies who could come for me, there’s still Lincoln. Danger is lining up around us, whether we like it or not.

But I don’t say any of that. “I know you won’t.”

It’s enough to get his shoulders to relax.

“Does Bea know her mom’s here?”

Jesse shakes his head. “It’s been five years since I’ve seen Sera, and she made her stance on that clear. I’m not getting Bea’s hopes up until I get a feel for where Sera’s head is at. I’m Bea’s parent.”

“I know.” I squeeze his hand.

“But…” Jesse wipes his palm down his face. “As much as I hate it, she’s still Bea’s blood. I don’t know what she’ll say when she wakes up. And if she wants to see her, I want that for Bea.”

Fear flares in his eyes when they land on me. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen Jesse truly scared. And the longer I stare at him, I don’t know what he struggles with more—Sera wanting to suddenly be a parent or her rejecting Bea all over again.

“You’ll figure it out,” I say. “And I’m here if you need to talk or anything.”

Jesse nods, glancing to where our hands are clasped on the bed. “You know this doesn’t change anything withmeand her, right? This is just about Bea.”

“I figured.” Not that it doesn’t still feel good to hear it.

“Good.” He tugs my hand closer. “Sera never meant anything to me apart from giving me my daughter.”

“You don’t have to explain yourself to me, Jesse. I understand you have a lot on your plate.” I wet my lips, and his gaze drops to my mouth. “I’m not trying to add more to it.”

“I know you’re not.”

“Then don’t worry about me. I’m not asking for anything.”

“Maybe you should. You deserve it, Reagan.”

“I don’t know about that.” I drop my chin.

But his fingers force it back up again. “You do. It’s not your fault I’m bad at this and making you doubt what we’re doing. I don’t do this. Ever.”

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