Page 43 of Hart of Redemption
“A friend. Someone. Hell, get a dog and talk to him.” Her lips turned up at the corners. “I hear animals help with emotional pain.”
“A dog?” Growing up, I never had pets. My old man would’ve probably beat the poor animal to death.
Joy inched closer, her fingers laced together. “Or me. I’m a good listener.”
“With you, the last thing on my mind is talking.”
“You and me in bed is not the answer to your problems.” She sucked her bottom lip between her teeth, looking sexy as fuck.
“Maybe not, but you did suggest we fuck to ease the sexual tension between us. But it seems you’ve changed your mind about that. Why?”
She giggled. “Seriously? You’re doing the same thing. One minute, you tell me you’re not good for me, and the next, you're kissing me like you’re dying. Look, right now, it’s not about us. Talk to Jade. You two need to hash things out.”
As if on cue, Jade called my name.
“We’re by the emergency exit,” Joy said, raising her voice. Then she poked me in the chest. “Be nice.” She gave me a pointed look before turning on her heels and leaving me alone with Jade.
I didn’t move as Jade crossed her arms over her chest, those green eyes too familiar, even though Savannah had had brown eyes. It was the regret, the shame, the blame, and the hurt in Jade’s glare that reminded me of Savannah.
“Well, tell me again how much you blame me,” I lashed out like a whip of fire. “It’s been four years, Jade. Four fucking years, and you still look at me like I’m the devil. I didn’t feed Savannah’s addiction. I tried to break her from her drug habit. All I did was give her a job at my club. All I did was fall in love with her. All I wanted was for her to get away from me. Leave my world behind. I pushed her away to protect her, not to get her killed.”
Tears streamed down her cheeks. “I know.” She swallowed. “But I didn’t then. I had to blame someone other than myself. I was supposed to protect her, Duke. I was the older sister. For all Savannah’s faults, I didn’t want her to die. I can’t help but think that if you had just gone to see her in jail, she would still be here today.”
I pushed off the wall. “Do you know how many times I’ve thought the same thing? Jade, I can’t even find it in myself to let the past go. But if I don’t, if you don’t, the guilt will eat at us forever.” I pulled her in for a hug. “I’m so fucking sorry. That day she died and you came to beat my ass, I was ready for you to kill me. I was silently begging that you would.”
She squeezed me and cried. “I’m sorry too. My sister was a handful. She was her own worst enemy.” She sighed, her gaze climbing up to meet mine. “You really did love her?”
I nodded. “I never had the chance to tell her either.”
She placed a hand on her heart. “Hearing you confess your feelings for her warms my soul, Duke. Thank you for that.” She kissed me on the cheek. “I promise I won’t be such a bitch anymore. Savannah will always be with us, and it’s time for both of us to move on.” She touched her stomach. “I just announced it to the family. You’re going to be an uncle. Denim is going to be a daddy.” She lit up as more tears flowed.
“That’s great news, Jade,” I said with genuine happiness in my voice. “You and Denim deserve that big family you want.”
She patted the wetness off her cheeks. “Would you do me a favor? I know you’re caught in something horrible right now. Denim doesn’t tell me anything, but he doesn’t have to. I know when something is bothering him. I also watch the news, but can you please, please find a way out before you get yourself killed? I couldn’t bear to see Denim suffer or Grace or Dillon. Please, Duke.”
“I will.” I had to. I didn’t want my brothers and sister to agonize over my death like I had Savannah’s.
“Are we okay?” she asked.
I draped my arm around her as we headed back to the table. “We’re good.”
With each step, I felt lighter, freer.
Everyone was eating, talking, and laughing when Jade and I returned. I nodded at Denim to let him know Jade and I were cool.
I sat next to Joy, who was smiling at me.
I would like to say she was next on my list to deal with, but first I had other important matters to tie up.
16
DUKE
Vince pulled into the abandoned manufacturing plant in Dorchester. Gustavo had called me this morning while I was at the gym training Joy—or rather, she was kicking my ass. He’d informed me that he’d gotten confirmation and found the mole within his camp.
I’d never been so relieved that my men hadn’t been guilty. Vince had questioned them, and he assured me we had no rats among us.
“I hope we’re about to finally put this problem to bed.” Vince shifted into park. “I would like to enjoy the holidays. Amber is up my butt about taking time off for Christmas.”
