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After I let everyone know Charlie is okay, I slip away to the gym. She needs rest, so I don’t want to bug her, but I’m still too worked up to be still.
I walk in and flip the light switch on the wall. The fluorescent lights hum to life, illuminating the shiny floor and all of the equipment. Walking straight to the punching bag, I waste no time. I dive my fists into it over and over. It’s better I get all of this out now or else it will just consume me again and we will have a repeat of tonight.
The face of Emil’s right hand flashes in and out of my mind. Over and over it’s him, then nothing. Then Teddy’s face starts to come to life. I’d like to think I’m over all of the shit he did considering he’s dead, but I’m not. He was someone I looked up to. Kind of like the father I never had, so to see him spiral out of control and turn into the very thing I hate the most fucking hurt.
Normally, I’m good at hiding my feelings, not letting them get the best of me, but I’ve been so on edge. I finally have a chance to have Charlie, and I’m so scared to fuck it up. She’s broken and hurt, all because of Teddy.
He always said love was a dangerous thing. That people would use what you love against you, and he was right. That’s the only reason why the shit tonight happened the way it did. Sure, I’ve always cared for Charlie in a way, but things are different now. I’m not sure when they changed or when things progressed, but they did. When I saw that guy hit her—in her stomach of all places—it made something in my head snap. I know Hale isn’t mine, and maybe sometimes I am jealous because of it, but that doesn’t change the fact I feel this animalistic need to protect her and the baby.
I try and pound away all of my thoughts, but I’m interrupted. I feel his eyes on me before I can hear his footsteps. He’s always been so quiet, but his gaze alone can penetrate Kevlar with force.
“What do you want, Jules?”
He chuckles softly behind me. “I love how you know I’m here before I even make my presence known.”
I grab the bag to stop its swaying, then turn around. “Your gawk is hot, dude. I can feel you looking at me.”
He just gives a weak shrug. “I was thinking…” He trails off.
“Well.” I plop onto the ground. “That’s a dangerous thing. Don’t hurt yourself.”
He plops with the same authority I do, then immediately winces, grabbing his ribs. “Fuck. I keep forgetting about this shit.”
I laugh off his comment, then look into his eyes. He’s such a hard person to read, but I can tell there is something he wants to say, but he’s holding back. “What is it, Jules? Say what you want.”
“I think it’s time to get Charlie out of here.”
“We are already planning that, but everything is handled now. We don’t have anything to worry about.”
He shakes his head, then stretches his legs and leans back on his elbows. “Not right this second, but I’m sure I pissed a lot of people off when I took Cat. If they come looking, I won’t hold back.”
“You don’t even know this girl. What if she isn’t who you think?”
“Teddy wasn’t who we thought, but look at how much we did for him.” He huffs. “It’s a risk I’m willing to take.”
“Why?” I cross my arms.
“I told you, something strong.” He smiles.
“Something strong.” I shake my head with a grin.
He doesn’t have to explain anymore because for once I get it. He and I may not be on the same page most of the time—he likes shit his way, and I like it mine—but for this, I get it.
“Just watch yourself, okay?” I stand and extend my hand to him.
“I will.” He takes my hand and hoists himself up before pulling me into a hug.
Neither one of us have ever been very big on showing emotion. Our dad made us feel emotions were a weakness and made sure to beat it out of us. That’s why Julius is—or was—quiet and I drink. When shit just gets too much, he goes further into his shell and I go on a bender. Probably not the best coping mechanism, but it’s worked for us.
I clap his back softly, not wanting to hurt him. “You know I love you?”
He pushes me away with a laugh. “Let’s not, okay? I don’t need to hear you say it to know it.”
I give him a grin followed by a scoff. “Whatever.”
His smile drops and his face grows serious again. “I’m serious, Luke. Get out of here and try to live a decent life with your girl.”
“You know I can’t leave you alone.”
