Page 49 of Reckless Vengeance

“I’m more comfortable with it now. Today was helpful, Brick and Jonah gave me lots of pointers.”

“I’m glad they’re embracing the fact that you’re not going anywhere.”

I removed my safety gear and put it on the table, alongside my gun.

“Do you think Matteo will cause a problem tomorrow and try to kick me out? I heard Samuel and the other guy talking about Slash’s funeral. You guys are worried about Rage causing drama?” I asked, knowing something was going on when he held my gaze for a moment before looking away.

“There are concerns about him making an appearance. Yes.”

“Is it an outside funeral? I was thinking me and the guys could sit by the trees if there’s any close by. That way if anything goes to shit, we can duck for cover and get out of there so you guys⁠—”

“Aurora,” he said quietly, raking his hand through his hair. “We need to talk and I really don’t want to do it here.”

I frowned, sensing something was really bothering him.

“What is it? Is Matteo giving you trouble about me going? Just tell him I’ll stay out of his way. I won’t even make a speech.”

His eyes met mine again and he winced, my stomach dropping as he replied. “I’m sorry, baby girl, but you can’t go.”

“Wait, what? Of course I can. You guys can’t make it a crew only event, that’s not fair. Ty⁠—”

“I need you to listen to me. I tried, but everyone’s nerves are fried and I hate to say it, but the crew’s pissed at you right now. They blame you, and if you show up at the funeral, all hell will break loose. Diesel tried talking to them too, but they’re too fucking angry. It’s not just Matteo.”

“Brick and Jonah are okay with me. Surely no one will do anything,” I snapped, his face hardening.

“They’re nice to you because they respect me. The crew is on the verge of an internal war starting, and everyone’s right on the edge. We pulled them back to heel, but if we ignore their request to keep you away from the funeral, it will cause a problem. This isn’t a small fight, Aurora. I need you to understand that half the crew wants you dead on a good day, so now that they’re blaming you for Slash’s death? I won’t risk that. I know he’d want you there, but my hands are tied.”

“They can’t stop me.”

“I will!” he bit out, looking frustrated. “If you show up, I’ll have to drag you the fuck away to show them I have their backs. I don’t want to hurt you by not letting you go, but I can’t risk it. You and the guys need to stay away tomorrow.”

I stared at him, my chest aching at knowing that was the end of the conversation. He wasn’t going to change his mind, no matter how much it hurt me. Tyler was going to be devastated too.

“Fuck you,” I said quietly, collecting my things and turning away from him.

“I really fucking tried. If I had my way, you’d be going, but if I let you guys come⁠—”

“Don’t worry about it.”

“I do worry about it because I love you, and I know he did too,” he replied, grabbing my bicep to stop me from leaving. “I know you’re mad, but I really need you to understand this isn’t just to make my guys happy, it’s to keep you safe.”

“If you fucking loved me⁠—”

“Don’t do that. You know I love you, but I’d much rather keep you safe and piss you off, than let you go and get killed. Please, stay away tomorrow. I’ll take you guys to say goodbye myself once the crew has left. Promise.”

“I don’t want you to.”

“Aurora—”

“Don’t, Skeet. If you’re going to ban me from Slash’s fucking funeral, then I don’t want to see you at all tomorrow. I will one hundred percent shoot you,” I snarled, giving him a shove.

He cursed under his breath as I left the room, walking into the room where Caden was talking to Diesel while everyone was packing up their weapons.

“We’re going. I’ll wait in the car,” I said as I held my hand out for his keys.

If I stayed in here, I was going to lose my cool and take shots at someone. I knew it was Matteo’s fucking fault, even if Skeeter claimed it wasn’t just him.

“What happened?” he asked slowly, and from the way Diesel was avoiding looking over at me as he packed up his guns, that fucker knew what had pissed me off.