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Kai chuckles against my neck and rolls so we’re side by side, with him still buried deep inside me. “You just have to ruin it, don’t you?”

“I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t. But seriously, are you okay?”

“I am now. I just needed someone to push me out of my own head.” He kisses me again, and I can’t help but melt against his chest. “We need to get ready for tonight.”

I nod in agreement, but neither of us makes a move to leave the bed. We can take a few more minutes to take in this change in our relationship.

We deserve that much.

Chapter17

Axel

When Cole mentioned that Ari might be the enemy, I immediately wanted to refuse that idea. But when your own father wants you dead, it’s hard to argue it. Ari did work for Charlie before me and jumped at the chance to take Charlie down. And Charlie even said himself that he let me kick him out of the Saviors. The real question is whether he’s telling the truth or not.

I pull out my phone and make the phone call that might ruin a six-year friendship. Ari answers on the second ring. “Is this the call I’ve been waiting on?”

“We need to have a meeting, Ari.”

“You aren’t wrong about that, but I never thought it would be because you think I’m betraying you.”

“You have to see it from my point of view.”

“Oh, I do. That’s not the problem. The problem is that you couldn’t even come to me first. You just sent Nolan sniffing through our shit. And he didn’t find anything, did he? Because there’s nothing to fucking find. When do you want to have the meeting?”

“Ari…”

“No, the time for that discussion is over. When?”

“Tomorrow at nine a.m. at Chelsea’s. Bring Keon and Tyler.”

“What about Gavin?”

“The Abbs Valley crew will be on him.” I sigh. “For the record, I want to be wrong.”

“You are wrong. We’ll be there.” The call disconnects, and a heavy feeling settles in my stomach.

If I am wrong, Ari may not want to work for me anymore. Not that I would fucking blame him. I should have just called the meeting before I ordered Nolan to invade their privacy. But if I’m right? All three of them have to die. I can’t let that level of betrayal go, no matter how much it will fucking hurt.

I make the other call about a safe house and have one secured for when the Abbs Valley crew brings Gavin to us. I’ve just hung up when my phone starts ringing, Gray’s name flashing across the screen.

“Hello, brother,” I answer.

“How’s everyone doing?” He’s called every day since they got us out of that shithole, and I’ve never been more grateful to have a brother.

“We’re doing good. Getting better day by day. How’s the fam?”

“We’re good.” The line goes silent, and I wait for him to say something. When he doesn’t, I know something is off.

“What’s going on, Gray?”

“Why didn’t you tell me something was off that day? I know you’ve done it on your own for a long goddamn time, but you had us. Do you not trust me?”

“Of course I trust you. It’s not about that. I just didn’t want to put your families in danger, and I did anyway by coming.”

“I love you, Axel, but that mindset is going to get you killed. Our dad sucks, that’s no secret. But you have a good family that will stand behind you whenever you need it. Every single one of us has fought our battles and won. You don’t have to do it alone anymore.”

“I know, and I didn’t mean to make you think that I didn’t trust any of you. I’m trying, man. This is all new to me.”