Page 77 of Blackbeard
“Yes, it was.”
I studied the depths of my coffee, wishing the dark liquid held some answers to what my future might look like after this.
My father and his club were going to jail.
The Blackjacks wanted nothing to do with me now that they knew I had been planted here intentionally to betray them.
The only good outcome was the fact that I had managed to prevent a blood bath with the Makarovs. Leaving the shipment of guns with the cops would have made the Makarovs furious, losing all that cash to law enforcement. The Forsaken would be sitting ducks behind prison walls and the Blackjacks would be looking over their shoulders, waiting for the inevitable hit from the Russian mafia.
So I returned the guns to the Makarovs, mustering up the most charming apology I had ever given in my life. I won them over. Barely. They weren’t exactly thrilled that our agreement fell through, but it was better than dealing with cops on their ass.
"How did you get that video?" Blackbeard asked.
I shrugged.
"All it takes is a little cash to the right snitch. My dad taught me that trick."
Blackbeard hummed with approval.
"And I suppose you'll need a place to stay."
My heart squeezed. I blew out a breath and glanced away, blinking hard.
When I made this decision, I knew I was burning both bridges. There wouldn’t be a seat at the table for me among the Blackjacks or the Forsaken.
But I couldn’t live with myself, sending Blackbeard to prison. His family needed him. And I…
I loved him.
“Yep,” I replied. “I already called a motel and booked a room for the week. So, I just need to pack my bags. Then I’ll be out of your hair.”
Blackbeard made a thoughtful noise.
“Seems unnecessary, don’t you think?”
I turned to look at him, confused. He shrugged.
“My wife once told me that my bed is big enough for the two of us.”
My wife.
Fuck, I loved hearing him say that. But our contract was no longer valid. Blackbeard was free. He didn’t have to call me that anymore. Hell, he didn’t have to breathe a word to me or acknowledge my existence.
And yet…he was willing to let me share his bed, his home.
“I’m not your wife anymore, Diego,” I whispered, my voice trembling.
Blackbeard reached over and took my hand, thumbing at the ring on my finger.
“You’re still wearing my ring though.”
I set aside the cup of coffee and began twisting the ring off. Blackbeard sheltered my hands in his palms.
“You’ve met my family,” he said. “You know I would burn the world to the ground if it meant keeping them safe.”
“I feel the same way about my father.” I swallowed hard, my eyes growing misty. “But he wouldn’t do the same for me. So I burned my world for you instead.”
He nodded in understanding, kissing my knuckles, my fingertips.
