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I nodded. “Deal.”
While Mr. St. James and Abram finished their business, Conrad and I were escorted out to a lounge. I threw back two shots of whiskey and relished the burn. I hadn’t had a stiff drink like this in over a year. But now seemed like the perfect time to have one.
I turned toward Conrad. “When we get back to LA, you’re going into rehab, and this time finish. After that, you can decide what kind of job you want. This shit isn’t happening again, Conrad. I was ready to sacrifice my life for you and lose the woman I love. I won’t do it again.”
“Blinded by loyalty,” York said in passing.
I ignored him the cocky son of a bitch, but he wasn’t wrong. I had been blinded, putting my brother before Simone. If Conrad didn’t change his ways, I couldn’t do anything else to help. It was time he grew up and took responsibility for his actions. Simone was my number one priority from now on.
“I’m really sorry about all of it. I fucked up. I own it. I want to do better.”
That was the best thing I’d heard out of my brother in a long time.
“So you’ll go to rehab?”
“Yes. Will the army take me after I’m done?”
I furrowed my brow. “The army?”
“I think I need to get my ass broken so that I can be built back up.”
I agreed one hundred percent, except... “I’m sorry, man. But the military won’t take you if you’ve been in rehab.”
“I figured as much.”
My phone vibrated. I opened the text from Will.
Will: Mia has arrived! Momma and baby are perfect. Call my sister.
Axel: Congrats, man. Calling her now.
I called Simone’s phone since Will didn’t provide a number for the hospital. My stomach twisted as I listened to it ring.
“Simone’s phone, Darwin speaking.”
“Hey, let me talk to Simone.”
“Is this Sexy Oaf calling?”
I screwed up my face. “What?”
“This number is for Sexy Oaf, is that you?” Darwin snorted, then I heard Simone chiding him. “Here she is…”
“Axel? Are you okay?” Her weak voice made my heart squeeze. God, I missed her.
“I’m better now. What about you?”
“I feel like I was hit by a truck, but I’ll be okay.”
“I’ll be there in the morning to take care of you.” I hated not being there for her now.
“You will? Are you sure?”
“Try to stop me.”
“What… what about your job?” Her voice shook with emotion. I imagined tears streaking down her soft cheeks.
“You’re my priority, Simone.”
