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“He’s got his hands full trying to squash anarchy in the ranks. Gage says the east side is like a tinderbox right now, ready to explode into war.”
“Not surprising. Desmond wouldn’t be able to keep order in a dog kennel. All the other gangs and so-called families now sense an opportunity.”
Inwardly, I grieve for the people who will be caught in the crossfire. Men launching brutal wars to claim things that don’t belong to them is nothing new.
The cycle sucks just the same.
Conner strokes my hair as I lie on his chest. Our reflection in the giant wall mirror stares back at me. We look like an ordinary couple sharing a tender moment. Anyone who didn’t know us wouldn’t be able to guess what it took to bring us here.
Then again, that’s probably always true. There are no ordinary love stories.
“Are you feeling well enough to come outside?” he says. “I have something to show you in the backyard.”
“Sure. Just give me a minute in the bathroom.”
Upon standing, I’m dizzy for a second. Conner’s hand shoots out to steady me. But once I take a step I feel stronger.
After I wash up and change to real clothes rather than pajamas, I take a moment to gingerly explore the wounds currently protected by bandages. As soon as I can, I’m getting the remains of my tattoo removed. Maybe the doctors can even do something with the burn scar.
With my blonde hair pulled back into a loose ponytail and my face free of makeup, the image staring back at me over the sink appears younger than it has in years. This despite the bruises on my neck and the circles under my eyes.
The mirror smiles.
This is the real me.
The girl who will never erase all of her sharp edges but who remains furiously devoted to the people in her life.
The girl who is deeply in love and hopeful about the future.
Conner has waited for me. Of course he has. He slips an arm around my waist as we leave the bedroom.
Together, we follow the sound of voices coming from the backyard.
Chapter40
Haven
My eyeballs wince at the bright light and I blink to adjust.
Lita holds baby Dash on her lap as she talks to Dani and Tess. Micah lounges in a nearby patio chair, apparently asleep under a pair of sunglasses.
Robert sits on his knees in the grass. Charlotte has primly claimed a seat beside him. Her lips move rapidly. He says nothing in return but he raises his head with a vague smile at the sight of Total rolling in the grass.
Then I see what Conner wanted to show me. A large square of concrete has been added to the right of the pool.
“You installed a basketball hoop.”
“Do you like it?”
I pull him down for a kiss. “Almost as much as I like you.”
Lita hands Dash back to his mother and rushes this way. In a stark reversal of roles, she insists on helping me into a chair and orders me to relax while she pours a glass of lemonade. I have no objection. It’s nice to be loved.
Tess sets Dash down so he can show off his walking skills. The miniature sneakers on his feet are stinking adorable. His grin is full of pride as he toddles on his own two feet and he comes right to me when I stretch out my arms.
Dash only allows me to hold him for a couple of seconds before he demands freedom. He ambles over to his father and smacks Micah’s leg to get his attention. Micah jerks awake and scoops his son up with a grin.
Conner drinks from my lemonade glass and sits beside me with his hand resting possessively on my knee.
