Page 277 of Devil’s Disciples

“For what it’s worth, the club has a rule,” he said. “We have a hands-off policy when it comes to women and the elderly. Men, on the other hand, are subject to the wrath of the club.”

I looked up. “But only as a last resort?”

He nodded. “Correct.”

“Would you consider walking away from the club?” I asked.

“I’m considering it now,” he said. “I haven’t made up my mind. I needed to come clean with you and see what you said. But, I need you to accept me, regardless of the choice I make. This has been killing me, Abby. I can give you as much time as you need. Either way, I understand.”

I didn’t need any time. I’d already made my decision. It wasn’t solely based on the fact that I loved Porter, but my love for him played a huge part in my ability to accept him for who he was. He was committing crimes in the eyes of the law, but they were crimes that many law-abiding citizens would commit if they were able.

“I’d prefer you walk away,” I said. “But only because I don’t want you to get hurt. If you choose not to, I can accept that. We’ll need to talk about it more, I’m sure, but I can accept it. Is there anything else?”

“Are you sure?” he asked.

Love is the key to coloring outside the lines. My prompt acceptance of my criminal boyfriend’s activities was proof. Losing him wasn’t something I was willing to risk. I managed to find a way to accept everything he’d said. I didn’t like the thought of him being hurt while robbing a drug dealer, but for the time being I’d reserve hope that he’d find a way to walk away from the club.

I offered a crooked smile and a nod. “Yes.”

“You’re one hundred percent sure?” he asked.

“Yes.”

Both eyebrows raised. “Abby?”

I sighed. “Yeah?”

“I love you.”

“Pardon me?” I blinked a few times. “I thought you said I love you.”

“I did,” he said. “When I admitted it to myself, I knew I had to tell you everything. Now that I have, it’s time for me to be honest. I love you, and I can’t imagine living a single day without you. I want you in my life, now and forever.”

I covered my mouth with my hand to prevent hyperventilation. After a moment of heavy breathing, I lowered my hand. “I love you, too I really do I think I have for a long time but I was too afraid to admit it I’m glad you finally said something because it was eating me up inside I went to talk to George about it God I love you.”

He stood and stretched his arms wide.

I wanted to attack him like a rabid spider monkey.

He swept me from my feet and spun me around, so my back was to the wall. Then, he kissed me like I’d never been kissed. I couldn’t remember if Disney princes and princesses kissed, but if they did, their kisses would have been like that kiss.

It was the perfect kiss. From the perfect man. On the perfect night. After the perfect fight to preserve our perfect relationship. And then, the perfect revelation.

He loved me.

And, he told me so in the perfect place.

My favorite ice cream parlor.

When our mouths parted, I began to cry.

He wiped my tears away and looked into my eyes. “What’s wrong?”

“Number two on my list,” I blubbered. “I did it.”

“We did it,” he said.

I couldn’t wait to tell my mother and George. My father would shit a complete brick, but I didn’t care. He’d have to find a way to get over it.