Chapter 25
Bones
My heart is pounding so fucking hard. Seeing the gun pointed at her head nearly did me in. I’ve never been so goddamn terrified.
“Shh… I got you, angel. You’re safe now. No one is ever going to touch you.”
“I was so worried about you. I didn’t want to leave you.”
“I know, baby. But I needed to get you to safety. That’s all that mattered.
” Once she was off the property, I could breathe again.
“You never have to worry about me. I will burn the earth down to keep you safe. No one will take me out. Come on, let’s get you back inside.
” I don’t like her out in the open. Not until I know that Vicious has half a brain and won’t make a stupid move.
She’s like a monkey clinging to my hip as I walk her back inside.
I need to let her dad know that the matter has been dealt with.
Vicious is going to leave him alone. In fact, Pritchard will be receiving a hefty donation to his campaign.
I’m not giving all the money back. Those fuckers need to pay for what they’ve done.
And if they ever try this shit again, I’ll be releasing the video.
I played it for the Vicious vermin to remind him of how incriminating it is.
His eyes gave him away as he watched. He knows he’ll burn in hell if it ever got out.
I also told him that I have their hit list, along with all the locations of the dead bodies.
Everything will be turned over to the authorities if they ever fuck with Pritchard or us again.
He wasn’t about to call my bluff by the time I left.
But if he does, he won’t live to see another day.
He's lucky I left him breathing. He had his hands on my woman. His gun aimed at her temple. I want to ride back and take him out.
“The matter’s been dealt with, sir,” I tell Pritchard as King and the others enter behind me. “You won’t have any further issues from him. But if you do, you know who to call.”
“Thank you,” Pritchard states. He steps forward and holds out his hand. “I am beyond grateful for what you did. After the way I treated you, you didn’t have to help me. I’m forever in your debt.”
“You don’t owe me a thing. I would never let anyone hurt this girl.”
He looks to his daughter as she clings to my side squeezing me tighter.
“I know that. You put your life out on the line today and that shows the kind of man you are. I was wrong about you. I was wrong about a lot of things.” He looks over my shoulder, no doubt at King.
Those two served in the war together. They saved each other, and I was the one who severed their relationship.
“You were just trying to protect your daughter, sir. I can appreciate that. And I apologize for going behind your back and violating your trust. I fell in love, and I wasn’t thinking straight.
I broke code and betrayed everyone. I hope you can forgive my brothers because they all warned me away from her.
I’m the one who refused to listen. I’m the one to blame. ”
Zoey looks up, and I hug her tighter.
“You didn’t do anything wrong. You made me so happy.”
God, she’s so pretty. So sweet and innocent. I’ve missed her so much. I’ve barely been getting through my days. I don’t want to walk away from her, but it’s time for me to go. Her dad probably wants to be alone with her now. He had the scare of a lifetime.
“We all make mistakes, son.”
I look up, and Pritchard’s watching his little girl.
“Today, I learned from mine. I’d like to start over, Bones. If you’re going to be in my daughter’s life, I’d like the chance to get to know you. I’d like to clear the slate.”
He’s giving me permission? Is he saying I can be with her?
“Dad, really?”
“Yes, Zoey. It’s about time I start trusting that my daughter has a good instinct about people.
I could see it in your eyes this morning.
You knew those men were bad, and I still sent you off alone with them.
I can see it in your eyes now, too. The love and the trust you have for this man.
You wouldn’t give your heart to anyone who didn’t deserve it.
And I’m not going to stand in your way again.
I’m going to trust that you know what’s best.”
“Thank you, Dad.” Zoey pulls away and rushes to him. I feel the squeeze of King’s hand on my shoulder. I got my girl. And I also managed to fix the damage I caused.
“Thank you all for coming for me.” Zoey turns toward my brothers. “You risked your lives for me. That makes us both in your debt.”
“Nah, doll.” King steps to my side. “You’re family, and we take care of family. Now, we’ll be on our way. But if you ever run into trouble again, you know who to call.”
That means I have to go too. I’m sure Pritchard wants to be alone with her.
“Bones, would you stay for drink? I think we both could use one.”
He has no fucking idea. My life flashed before my eyes today. I could use a tall one.