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My mind races with all that he says, and I’m sure I look like a gaping fish the way I open and close my mouth, trying to find the words to say. Never in my life did I think I’d ever have this, let alone bring it completely into my son’s life, but I know without a doubt I can trust Brass with not just my life but my son’s. He’d stand in front of a bullet without being asked to, I’m sure of it.
“But he stays with Lark when I’m working,” I finally say.
“Thea,” he breathes, and I can feel his fingers spread wide on my lower back and the others at my ass. “You’re done with this life. If you want to do something, then do it helping the club. You put yourself in danger, and I will have no other choice but to do what I can to stop you. If it means chaining you to my bed, I will.”
“You wouldn’t.” I blink and jerk back slightly.
“I restrained you to my bed after what you did last night, so damn right I would chain you to my bed if I have to,” he growls, scowling at me.
“What about the—”
“We’ll deal with him when the time comes,” he answers, interrupting me and stopping me from what I was going to say. “The only thing left for you to worry about is what we’re gonna talk to Lark about.”
“And that is?” A frown creases between my brow, and a sense of dread threatens to take hold.
“Mario,” Brass answers.
I swallow down the bile that starts to burn my throat at the mention of that vile man. “No.”
“Yes.” Brass reaches for my chin and holds me in place. “We’re talking to Lark, and then we’re going to take care of the past once and for all. Then when we’re done, the past will stay where it belongs.”
“The past has a way of always coming back to bite a person in the ass. It’s never fully where it’s supposed to be. It’s always lurking. Waiting for a reason to show itself.”
“True enough, but the moment it comes up, you stomp it down, destroy what needs to be destroyed, and forget the rest,” he retorts.
Sighing, I nod. He’s right, I suppose it’s time. But Mario, damnit, I don’t want to think of him. Lark doesn’t think I know, but from the way Brass brought him up, he figured I knew. The vile man is at the facility Reap runs and has been there for years now, being tormented and tortured for his transgressions toward me.
I guess if facing him, I’ll take him on as Karma and let this be the last time. After that, I could do as Brass says and help the club and not fight them. I could even be the mom my son deserves.
* * *
Hand in hand, Brass guides me into the mental facility. I point out the way to where Reap would be along with Lark and my son.
The moment we step through the secure doors from the legit side of the building, all eyes turn to us. I’m surprised that Stoney is also here. He’s sitting with my son drawing.
“What are you doing here?” I blurt out.
“We’re family, and I needed to talk to Lucifer.”
“Momma,” Jesse greets me, rushing across the room, and wrapping his arms around me. He then surprises me by looking at Brass. “You gonna make Momma happy now?”
“Yeah, little dude.” Brass shocks me by answering. “We’ve got some business to handle, then you, me, and your momma are gonna go to the apartment and order pizza. How’s that sound?”
“Can we watch the new John Wick movie while we eat?”
What in the world? Did they form an instant bond or something?
“Sure, we can watch John kick some ass.” Brass chuckles.
“Awesome,” Jesse yells and looks to Lark. “Papa, you hear that.”
“Yeah, kid.” Lark grins, warm eyes watching my son. “Now, go chill while we handle a few things.”
“Okay.” Jesse nods and looks back at me. “Love you, Momma, and glad to know you’re done. We can start going places together now.”
My heart lurches at the words. I know he didn’t say it to be mean, but they hurt, and I know without a doubt he’s right, and so is Brass. I’m done. My son comes first once and for all.
I smile and move to Jesse, pressing a kiss on his forehead. “This won’t take long. I promise.”
