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I cleared my throat which had suddenly gone dry. “I overheard a conversation at the hotel I’m staying at. I know you need someone to go in and get her back.”

He slowly turned his body to me. “Anyone ever tell you it’s rude to listen to other people’s conversations?”

“Maybe you should tell your friends that the hotel bar isn’t a place to discuss club problems,” I snapped back, regretting it almost immediately as he took a step forward. My body reacted instantly. Stepping back, in order to keep a safe distance between the huge man who looked like he was ready to pounce and me.

“I think it’s best if you forget what you heard and go home,” he growled.

I puffed out my chest. “I’m trying to make this right, Optimus. I fucked up. I screwed up so bad that I will never stop regretting what I’ve done. I’ll never move on. For the rest of my life, Iwillbe haunted by it. But right now, right here, I am asking you… begging you… to please let me gain back that small bit of self-respect I once had.”

He stared at me silently, and for a minute, I thought I saw what may have been a flicker of respect in his eyes.

“I’m warning you now, you coming here is going to severely piss some people off.” He talked slowly and cautiously as if he thought I was completely stupid and had no idea what I was getting myself into. But I knew and I was ready to take whatever consequences came with it.

“I may never be able to gain your trust back, I get that.” My throat tightened. “But this isn’t just for you. I need to prove to myself that I’m not my father.”

He tilted his head, studying me like he was trying to figure out if I was lying, just trying to worm my way back through their defenses.

“Murdered anyone lately?”

My eyes shot wide. “What? No!”

Optimus smirked. “Then you’renotyour father.” The tone of his voice was somewhat comforting. I almost felt like he believed I was a good person. “Be here in the morning, nine a.m. Ham will be waiting for you at the gate and he’ll bring you inside. This is something that needs to be discussed with the club first. A decision will be made then.”

Optimus was a great leader. He was strong and firm but also diplomatic. I respected him.

I dipped my head in agreement, but before I turned to walk away I couldn’t help but ask, “How is Chelsea?”

His eyes flicked back to the compound, no doubt where she was waiting for him. I wondered if he would tell her that I was here, I wondered whether she would care.

“She’s good. Almost back to herself.”

My heart tightened and I felt the tears begin to warm my eyes. “I didn’t—”

“That’s something that you need to tell her…” he cut in, “…if you get that chance.”

I cleared my throat, trying hard to gain back my composure. “Sure. I’ll see you in the morning.” I turned and began to walk back down the street, a cold wind whipping at my bare arms.

“Don’t make me regret this, Rosalie,” he called after me into the darkness. The use of my full name sent a shudder through my body. It was a subtle hit, but he was reminding me that he hadn’t forgotten who I was.

I didn’t reply, continuing to force myself forward. A couple of blocks away I called a cab to come pick me up. I tightened my arms around my body, a sad attempt at trying to hold myself together. I was shaking, this was my chance to redeem myself, maybe not in their eyes but in mine. I couldn’t chicken out now. I knew in my gut that whatever I had just offered myself up for, could be dangerous.

I could do this.

I had to do this.

There was no backing out now.

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