AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Remind me not to get on your guys’ bad sides,” he jokes.
I snort. “You’ve already been there. For all of us. Somehow you’re still here.”
He grins, reminding me how much of a cheeky little shit he actually is. Something I wasn’t expecting but should have seen coming. He and Scar are a little too alike. Their friendship makes a lot more sense now. “I’m resilient like that.”
“Like a cockroach,” I agree. “We just can’t get rid of you.”
Before he can retort, little feet run down the hallway. Surprise flickers in his eyes as he stares at Scar, but where did he think the rest of the guys were? Roe runs into the room, a beaming smile on her face. “Uncle Charles! I heard you were not feeling good.” She reaches the side of his bed and lifts her arms up. Scar picks her up and gently places her next to Charles, on the opposite side of his wound.
“I’m just a little sick.” His smile is soft and adoring as he pushes her hair off her face. “Your daddy fixed me all up and now that I can see my favorite niece, I think I’m all cured.”
She sticks out her bottom lip and assesses him carefully. “I don’t know, Uncle Charles.” My heart melts at how damn cute my kid is. She looks to Declan and tilts her head. “Is he right? Is he all better?”
Charles answers before Declan can. “Of course I am, Roe baby. I bet I could even have a dance party with you right here and now.”
She turns wide blue eyes to him. “No way,” she says disbelievingly.
“No dance parties anytime soon,” Declan warns. “But he’s going to be okay, sweet girl. Your uncle will be ready to play with you and the boys before you know it.”
Roe’s little body sags with her sigh of relief. Our little drama queen.
“How about a movie for now?” Scar interjects, distracting Roe from whatever other questions she was going to ask. “We need to wait for the doctors to come by and clear your uncle to come home with us.”
Roe gasps a little sound of delight. “Uncle Charles is coming home with us?”
Scar nods. “He heard about all the bunnies coming to see the little butterfly that lives there.” Roe giggles as she cuddles into Charles’ side and Scar turns the television back on but is quick to switch it to Moana before Roe has a chance to see the news.
More people stop by to check in on Charles and make sure he’s on the mend. With each person his surprise grows even more and the space left in the room shrinks. It’s crazy to see us all together like this.
The war has finally come to an end, our mission for revenge over. We’ve gotten our answers, and found a new purpose and the accumulation of all we’ve gained is right here in the room with us. Understanding begins to dawn for Charles as he realizes what it means to be a Rose. To be family. To be one of us.
We’re the Bleeding Roses, we bloom in chaos, thrive in destruction, and we’re always stronger together.
Epilogue One Scar
3 weekslater
“It’s about time you made your way over here, Scar. Boss has been waiting for you.” Joe’s cheeky smile is impossible to not respond to in kind as he unhooks the velvet rope that leads to the second floor where the VIP tables are. His familiar sass is always appreciated, but especially on a night like tonight.
“You know making that man wait is one of my favorite pastimes,” I tease as I begin to shimmy up the stairs. “Surprised you’re here and not at the fights,” I continue as he follows behind me.
He gives me a bored look, not even bothering to call me on my bullshit. It’s Steel Roses’ first night reopening since we shut down. Like anyone would miss this night. The newly renovated stages alone are enough to draw them all in. They have to be one of my favorite things we’ve added, though it’s hard to pick just one.
The lone glass stage off the bar that hung over the lower level where I used to perform is no longer alone. We’ve extended it to create an entire platform that rings the club and hangs over the lower level, connecting the bar on the far side with a long catwalk. The catwalk holds three smaller boxed-in platforms for dancers to get more time over the crowd. Blue and black roses and lights are inlaid in all of the glass surfaces, making the flowers look like they glow from within.
I loved everything about our setup in the club before. It had the perfect blend of convenience, atmosphere, and mystery, but the renovations have taken everything to the next level. Making the entire club feel more illicit and decadent while still retaining its accessibility. Steel Roses has been and always will be where our worlds all collide. The fighters, the wealthy, the students, the doctors, the baristas and everyone in between.
The VIP area is even more luxurious than ever, with a table made just for our large group right next to the bar. Familiar faces are already seated there, looking more comfortable than we used to be as we crammed into a too-small table for us. It’s a good thing Luca had the foresight to reserve an entire section for us when we were planning the remodel. We’ve gained even more usuals to our lineup since we first started the renovations.
I stop at the bar to get a drink and wink when Dare makes her way over to me. “Good to see you back in lilac roses,” I tease. She grins and flashes her small tattoo at me.
“Never been out of them.”
I hum my agreement as she pours me a shot of whiskey. The burn lights me up from the inside out and I can’t help but feel like I’m floating. It’s been so long since I’ve been reenergized by a magnetic crowd, loud music, and a good shot of whiskey. It sets all my nerves buzzing in the best way possible.
The attention, the noise, the energy. A shiver of delight dances down my spine. It’s medicine to my fucked up soul.
Dare pours me another shot, knowing me too well. Tonight is about celebrating. About taking the next step now that the dust has settled. Finding our new purpose now that the war is over. That St Graves is ours. That my demons have been vanquished.
