Page 45 of Bayou Knights
“Give him time,” York says and all I can do is nod.
“I was pulling away. It’s a long story, but the end result is you would live,” Sawyer says.
“What now?” I ask.
“That’s up to the club. We all lied to you in a way. Your dad was my president and we both kept it from you. What I did is almost unforgivable in the eyes of the club, so either I keep my cut, or I lose it, but I might get to live.” I can’t believe he’s sitting here talking about his life like it doesn’t mean anything. He’s so nonchalant about living. Yeah, he did beat me, but does that mean he should die? Why am I even thinking this? I don’t understand this world. Maybe I never will. Do I even want to be a part of it?
“I don’t want you to die because of me,” I whisper.
“You’re worth it,” he says, reaching for me but when Capone hisses at him, he retracts his hand.
“I don’t understand any of this. Gator tried to give me a crash course the first night I met him and a few of the others. Zion told me a little. And yeah, I’m mad that you all lied to me, but I can’t hold on to that. I want to move on.”
“You are a strong woman with a good heart,” Capone kisses my head and moves back to the door.
“I wanted to shelter you from this. You and Lyra, though that was out of my hands after a while. I know we have a lot to talk about and make up for, but we will do that,” Dad says, taking my hand.
“I can’t be coddled anymore. I’m a big girl,” I chuckle because I’m the smallest person in the room.
“You sure are,” Lyra winks and joins in.
“I’m missing something,” Gage shakes his head.
“We’re making a short joke,” Lyra tells him, and he laughs with us.
“We’re far from okay, but I know we can get there,” I tell them.
“The club is having a BBQ tonight, here at the Inn. Zion wants Sawyer to meet everyone. He will probably get his ass kicked,” York chuckles.
“I’ll take it,” Sawyer grins. I look him over and realize he is black and blue.
“Who did that?”
“Well, some of it is from those two,” he points at York and Capone. “Some are from Gage and your dad. Zion took a few hits as did some others.”
“Gage!” I snap and my son hangs his head.
“He was looking out for his mom,” Sawyer snorts. “I let him.”
“You didn’t let me,” Gage objects. I watch as it gets into an argument, not like full on yelling but a friendly competition. Gage is almost as tall as Sawyer, not quite as wide yet, but soon my son will have muscles.
There’s a knock on the door and Trick enters with Noah and Zoe.
“Gage, you want to come help catch some crawfish?” Noah asks, Gage looks at me and then his Dad, and we both nod. I chuckle when both boys run off, probably going to find Gator.
“Zoe, I’m so sorry,” I whisper as Zoe sits next to me on the couch.
“It’s not your fault. It’s not even Sawyer’s fault,” she says, and we all turn to Sawyer.
“I didn’t want anyone dead. Ricardo ordered the hit,” Sawyer clarifies. “I will pay for his funeral and expenses.”
“You don’t have to do that,” Zoe insists.
“I want to,” Sawyer smiles at her and I watch as Zoe smiles back. Oh my, I can see Sawyer is smitten with her. Zoe better be careful. Sawyer is a sweet talker, real romantic when he wants to be. We would still be married if all of this hadn’t happened. But I feel myself being pulled in three different directions, by three different men. I don’t know what to think of that.
“Can we go sit out on the main deck?” I ask and everyone agrees. Capone sweeps me up in his arms, causing me to giggle.
“I love that sound,” he kisses my nose and I swear to everything in this world that does things to me. I feel a tingly sensation all over. Capone is dark where I’m light. He’s tan, shaved head, tattoos all over, beard, and freak me, he’s hot. I let him carry me as Lyra grabs my crutches, in case I need them.
