Page 73 of Paco
“What did you do to get back on track?” she asked in a hushed voice.
“I joined the Night Rebels, and I never looked back. It was the best thing for me. Rooster, Army, and Scorpio had all done tours of duty. They understood, and the other brothers were there to lean on. We have a strong bond that no one and nothing can break. The brotherhood saved me.”
“What’s going to save me?” she whispered.
“You. You went through so much shit and you’re still standing. You should be ranting and vowing vengeance, but you’re not. You laugh, smile, and give me the true part of you when we’re together. If I were you, I would be frothing at the mouth, buying a gun, and swearing to kill every fucker who ever touched me. You got gumption and a whole lot of inner strength.”
“Or maybe I’m decaying inside and don’t give a shit.”
“That partisthere, and that’s what you need to work on with therapy. But the woman I see behind the decay, the abuse, the degradation, is a helluva woman who has a lot of living to do.”
“I hope so. I’m glad you’re taking me. I couldn’t do this alone. How long are you staying?” Sadness crept through her, but she willed it away.
“Until I make sure you’re not in any danger. I can guarantee that fucker knows where you live.”
“How will I ever feel safe?”
“I’ll make sure you do.”
She looked up at him. “How?”
“By making sure the demon is destroyed. No more questions. I’m taking you for pizza, and not the frozen kind.”
Joy shot through her and she kissed him. “Ilovepizza. What about the lockdown?”
“I’m VP and I can make exceptions. Me taking you to have a pizza is an exception.”
She hugged him. “I’ll be out in a sec.”
She jumped off his lap and rushed into the bathroom. Looking in the mirror, she smiled at the sparkle in her eyes and the color in her cheeks.I never thought I’d look like this again.For years, the reflection that had stared back at her was devoid of joy, and hopelessness lived in its eyes.
Paco brought me back to life.
Refusing to think about their impending separation, she washed up and quickly applied her makeup.
That day would be just for them, and she would cherish every minute of it so she had something to hold onto when the nights were dark and he wasn’t there to calm her fears.
She zipped up her jeans and came out of the bathroom.
“Ready?” he asked as his gaze traveled down her body.
With a big grin, she picked up her jacket and shrugged it on. “Ready,” she answered, reaching out for him.
He took her hand and they walked out of the room.
