Page 12 of Blade's Return
“I’m telling the truth. That’s not the reason,” he says. “Eyeball is pure evil. That fucking bastard needs to die, Blade. If you knew what I do, you’d feel the same.”
“So, tell me,” I invite, frustration bubbling over.
“I can’t.”
“Why the fuck not?”
“Because we both have roles in this world and yours is to make sure that casino gets off the ground for this town, or our people—our families.”
“And your role?” I huff.
“To keep those that I love safe,” he says, making it sound like a vow.
“What are your plans?” I ask.
He shakes his head. “Nothing big—at least not yet. For now, just concentrate on getting this casino started. I don’t want anything to take that away. This town needs hope and a way to build a future for its children. But after that? I want to annihilate Eyeball,” mentioning the bastard that pulls the strings with the Feral Kings—and the one he holds responsible for Mavis dying. He loved the bitch. I will never understand that. I don’t know how she got her claws into him that deep. Or hell, maybe it’s just him. He’s always felt like he had to take care of those that are weaker than him. It’s why he stepped in to act as my father. It’s what drew him to Mavis to begin with. He holds himself responsible for getting her hooked-on shit because it was under his command the club was running that shit. I shake my head. It’s a twisted path that I’m never going to understand.
My voice drops low. “You have to promise me you’ll be careful. No going off against him until there’s a firm plan in place and all of us have your back.”
Bear laughs, the sound like gravel. “Look at my little brother trying to watch over me now. I might be old, boy, but I’m not stupid.”
“I want your word,” I growl, not willing to give it up.
“Stop worrying. I’m not stupid.”
“Good,” I breathe.
Bear grins. “You crashing here tonight?”
“Yeah. I prefer your old lady’s cooking for breakfast over mine,” I joke. Honestly—I want the comfort. I want the closeness. I miss my family. It’s the biggest reason I want to move back into the club. The last two years—living in New York, making a big enough name and work history for myself, all so that people would take this seriously—has been hell. I want to come home—fully. Although, if things work out with Olivia, I may have to build a house for her like he did for Ayita. I’m not sure she’d be entirely comfortable at the club. I really need to learn her history …
“Your room in the basement is ready,” he responds, before adding with mischief in his eyes, “I’m going to go make my woman scream my name.”
I roll my eyes. “Give me time to close the door to the basement and my bedroom, please. I don’t want to listen to that shit.”
His laughter follows me as I head downstairs. I close the door to my room, strip quickly, drop my phone on the mattress like it’s a live wire and flop back. I allow myself to relive spending time with Olivia this evening—remembering the steady beat of her pulse under my thumb, the shape of her smile, the sound of her laughter, and the way her eyes shined with happiness when she watched Bear and Ayita together.
I let my thumb wake the phone, find the appropriate screen, then type.
Me: You home safe?
Her reply comes fast, like she’s been waiting to answer me.
Olivia: Yeah, no issues. Thanks for walking me out.
Blade: Anytime. Looking forward to tomorrow.
Olivia: It’s Sat. You should go out instead.
Blade: I will be out. With the only girl I want to see and her dad.
Olivia: You’re very bossy.
Blade: I’ll make you like it.
Olivia: I keep hearing that.
Blade: You should listen.
