Page 47 of Redemption

Shocker… her supposed best friend probably had to do something for the club and can’t even dance with her like he’s supposed to. Sighing, she smiles at Ty. “What’s up, handsome?”

He takes her hand, and they move to the middle of the room where the tables have been cleared to make a dance floor. “If I weren’t in a committed relationship, I’d totally try and have dirty wedding sex with you.”

For the first time all night, she laughs. Genuinely laughs, and she tosses her head back as she does. “I needed that. Thank you.”

“I’m not sure whether I should feel flattered or insulted.”

“You’re lucky to have found your girl.”

“I know.”

They finish their dance, and she moves to the refreshment table to see what needs refilling. Everything looks well stocked, and her body freezes when she hears a familiar song.Please Forgive Meby Bryan Adams.

“They’re playing our song,” Colt says, his voice sending shivers down her spine. “Dance with me?”

Without an excuse to say no, she turns and lets him lead her back onto the dance floor. Their bodies still fit so well together, and her heart races as he presses her body against his. She remembers all the good times. When being wrapped up in his arms was the only place she could find comfort.

The words hit differently when the second verse starts, and he whispers the lyrics into her ear. His hot breath reminds her just how good they used to be together. How long it’s been since they were truly a married couple. How long it’s been since she spent time in his strong arms, naked and sated.

Just as she’s about to break down into tears at the memories, she thinks about the past year and a half. At the man he’s become. She misses the man he used to be, and that’s a man who won’t be coming back unless he can admit his wrongdoings.

“We can change the outcome, Lex.”

“Colt-”

“It’s been difficult without you. The club isn’t the same without you. I’m willing to try if you are. Just tell me what you need, and I’ll make it happen.”

Pulling back, she looks up at him. “You still don’t get it, do you?”

“What?”

Stopping, she shakes her head. “I can’t tell you what to do because you don’t actually want to. If you did, you’d be asking different questions. You’d want to know how I felt. What happened to make it all go south. Then you’d take the necessary steps to fix it. This isn’t about me or us or our family. It’s about your pride.”

“Stop being so difficult,” he says with a sigh.

“You know what? I can’t do this. This is Shep’s day.”

Shep and Heidi walk over to them. “Babe?”

Looking around, she realizes for the first time they were the only two dancing. Being in his arms captured her full attention and caused her to not notice it was all a set up. A set up to play their song. To expect her to give in because she’s always had a difficult time saying no to him when they’re this close because her body craves him. And everyone in the room seems to be in on it.

“I don’t know why I’m even surprised,” she says and shakes her head.

Heidi reaches out, but she pulls out of reach. “Lex-”

“Congrats, you two. I’m really happy for you both, but I think it’s time for me take my exit.”

“Lex!” Colt calls, grabbing her arm. “Don’t do this.”

“No, you aren’t the victim here. This was a mistake, and I should’ve said no. This isn’t my home anymore.” Hurring outside, she stops at her car and takes deep breaths. “Please don’t follow me.”

Even as she says the words, she knows she lies to herself. She wants him to follow her. To run out, tell her he’s never going to stop trying, and he wants to take her back to his apartment and show her just how much he loves her. But he won’t. He’s still too angry, and as long as he lets the anger consume him, they can’t move forward.

“Why do you have to be so damn complicated?” she mutters. “This could be so easily fixed if you weren’t so damn stubborn.”

She opens the door but hears a scream from the road and freezes. A single gunshot rings out, and she ducks down as motorcycles speed by. Her car door blocks her view, but she sees a shamrock on the back with some type of flame and dagger. Savage Slashers. Shit.

“Help!” a familiar voice screams out.

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