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Somehow, I will make that happen.
“It’s okay to be different, Romeo. And if you want to, you can beanythingyou want to be. Don’t letanyonepush you in a direction you don’t want. You’re old enough… take charge of your life, okay?”
Her words sink into my soul.
Deep, deep down.
My father wants me to follow in his footsteps and be a musician.
But I know when the time comes, I will find a way to join Defiance MC. Somehow, someway, I’ll find my way back to her.
I don’t know in what way, but I know this woman will have a major impact on my life, and I will stop at nothing to ensure I let her know how much she means to me.
Some might think I was a young kid with a crush that’s become an obsession. It’s not that at all. If it were, I would have joined NOLA Defiance instead of LA. I’ve lived my life, I’ve had girlfriends, I’ve fucked my way around California, Lord knows I have. But it’s more about this intense connection I feel with Ingrid. She changed something in me that day. She made me believe in myself when I had nothing left in the tank. She made me want to fight for a life I was ready to give up on. She made me see there were other options.
A simple course correction.
One whereIcould stand up for whatIwant, not what my parents think Ishouldbe.
Did they hate the choices I made in the following years?Fuck yeah. But they were mine.
They weren’t dictated to me, and goddamn, it felt good.
In some ways, it only made my relationship with Arabella, my sister, closer. Don’t ask me how that happened. Maybe because she stopped seeing me as her competition and started seeing me as her brother.
I glance to the door where they took Ingrid, seeing no movement, and decide I need to take a moment. As I stand and walk for the door, I pull out my cell, hit my sister’s number, and lean against the outside brick wall, taking in the springtime air. The phone rings a few times, then I hear music chiming down the line and the sounds of Bella talking in the distance like she’s yelling instructions to one of her workers.
I smirk, she’s constantly busy, but Arabella will always make time for me.Funny how things change over time.The phone unmuffles, and she exhales like she’s finally taking a moment. “I’m so sorry, I’m here. Hi Romeo. I miss you. When are you coming home?”
I roll my eyes with a small laugh. “I only just left LA. Surely you can’t be missing me already?”
She groans. “You’re literally the only sane person I know in LA. Everyone else is hyped up on Vicodin or Zoloft, or Vicodin with Zoloft, and don’t forget the alcohol on top of that.”
I tilt my head because, in the music business, she’s probably underselling this right now. “You sound stressed.”
She snorts out a laugh. “I had a big-ticket act who has a sold-out concert in three days at SoFi Stadium tell me this morning that they’ll have to cancel because they’ve just come down with COVID. So, yeah…that’showmyday is going.”
“Ahh… the life of a booking agent. I’m sorry, Bells. I know how much work that means for you.”
She exhales, letting out a huff like she’s slumped down into a seat. “It’s fine… it’s all part of the job and the world we now live in, so I guess I have to prepare for these scenarios. Anyway, enough about my bullshit, how are you liking New Orleans?”
I glance through the window behind me to ensure Ingrid hasn’t come out. There’s no sign of her, so I turn back, resting against the wall. “It’s great. The guys are so fucking welcoming, and the rest of the club are good people. Honestly… it’s been an easy transition.”
“I’m glad you’ve found your feet. How long is the transfer for? Please tell me it’s only short term?”
I roll my shoulders. “I’m not sure exactly. It depends on when they can find a couple of new prospects to fill Jesse’s place. Once he patches in, then two prospects will fill Jesse’s position, and they should all be good. Then I can return to LA.”
Bella hums. “So you’re saying this could take a while?”
“It could… yeah. But if you need me, I can pop back for a weekend. Just let me know.”
She’s quiet for a moment, then she sighs. “Are you living your best life, Romeo?” she asks, surprising me.
I glance over my shoulder, looking for Ingrid again. There’s still no sign, but I can’t help smiling when I think about her. “Yeah, Bells, I am.”
“Then stay and be happy. Defiance is all you’ve ever wanted, and getting away from Mom and Dad was big for you too. You’ve done that now, and I am so proud of you… even if youarea criminal.”
I snort out a laugh. “Hey, you’re only a criminal if you get caught.”
