Page 83 of King of Pain
“Seems like something you might need to get used to,” Mary quips. “Now, you boys enjoy your little vacation. Be careful, and text me when you get home safely. I love you both.”
After saying our goodbyes, we hang up. For a bit, we just sit in silence, watching people meandering the boardwalk, the waves behind us our only soundtrack.
Finally, I turn to him. “If you don’t mind me asking, what did she mean when she said she wouldn’t change a thing?”
Chance takes a deep breath; his gaze fixed on the shops ahead of us. “She pushed me to leave Boston. To get out of the life I was born into.”
I frown. “Chance, you don’t have to—”
“It’s okay,” he interrupts gently. “Iwantyou to know everything about me.”
I nod, giving him space to continue. He exhales, running a hand through his hair before finally speaking. “The area of South Boston where I grew up is controlled by two organizations,” he begins. “They operate outside the law and are sometimes at odds with each other.”
I hesitate before asking, “Were you part of one of them?”
Chance nods. “The Doves. I never got involved in the worst parts, but I saw enough.” His jaw tightens. “My father, on the other hand—” He lets out a sharp breath. “He’s a Captain in the Black Crows. He’s also a Captain of the police precinct that serves our streets.”
My brows furrow. “He’s breaking the law while enforcing it?”
Chance scoffs. “More like he uses his position tonotenforce the law.”
Understanding dawns, and my stomach turns. “Didn’t he want you to join the Black Crows?”
“He did.” Chance pulls his lower lip inward, worrying it between his teeth. “It was expected of me. But even if I weren’t disgusted by everything they stood for, I’d never have joined—not if he was involved.”
I study his face. “You hate him that much, huh?”
Chance swings his legs over the wall, turning to face the ocean and I follow.
“My father is not a good man,” he says after a long pause. “He terrorized and beat my mother for most of my childhood—until I was big enough to take him on.”
I inhale a sharp breath, the weight of his words sinking in. I can’t imagine anyone laying a hand onMa.My fists clench instinctively, the urge to hit something burning through me. Instead, I shift slightly, bumping my shoulder against his. Just enough to let him know I’m here.
“I’m so sorry, Chance,” I say quietly. “I’m glad she has you.”
“That’s why I had to join The Doves,” Chance says, his voice steadier now. “They offered to protect us both. Plus, although they got their hands dirty in shady business dealings, they had rules that were important to me. No innocents, no drug trade, no trafficking. I mostly ran money and collected from businesses that were under their protection. Sometimes, I’d do overnights, just sitting in Murph’s car, watching a shop for the owner.”
“Murph?” I ask, a strange feeling settling in my gut.
Chance huffs out a small laugh, flashing me a crooked smile. “My best friend back home. He was in The Doves with me. Still is.”
“Oh,” I say, but the weird feeling lingers, pressing down on my chest.
Chance’s grin turns downright wicked. “I never touched him, Beautiful. Don’t worry. He’s straight. I think.”
I just sit there, jaw slightly tensed, staring at him.
Chance laughs softly, shaking his head. “Relax. Murph’s like a brother.He’s just… Murph.”
I roll my eyes but can’t stop the smile that escapes my lips.
His expression sobers slightly. “Anyway, I didn’t want to leave her, but she finally wore me down. It’s been years since he’s even raised his voice at her—at least not in my presence. The Doves promised to keep an eye on her, and Murph texts me updates.”
A pang of guilt washes over me. I reach out, turning his shoulder slightly so he can see my face. “I’m glad you have him, Chance.”
He grips my jaw gently, his thumb resting lightly on my chin. “Thank you, Ant. For everything.” His voice softens as his gaze searches mine. “I feel like my chest is cracked open here. I know it’s a lot to ask, but… do you feel comfortable sharing what your nightmares are about?”
My heartbeat stumbles. And yet… for the first time in my life, Idowant to talk about it.
