Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 80957 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80957 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
“That’s good.”
“It was. We both learned a lot about each other.”
“Hmmm.” Casey’s brows furrowed. “Why do I feel like there’s something you’re not telling us?”
“Well, there was a lot of talk about the club and all the rules.” Jenna glanced over at Casey, and they shared a knowing glance. “There’s a lot there, isn’t there?”
“Yes, but it isn’t too bad.” Casey shrugged. “The secrets can be tough at times, but you have to remember it’s for our benefit.”
“Yeah, that’s what he kept saying, but I wasn’t so sure I agreed.”
“It’s one of those things that takes time.”
“What about the hang arounds and all the strippers? Do they take time getting used to?”
“Actually, the girls are pretty cool,” Jenna admitted. “Once one of the guys is claimed, they keep their distance.”
“And they do a lot around the club house and help out any way they can.” Casey picked up a box as she said, “You met Bridgett. She’s a hang around, and she’s awesome.”
“Yeah, she really was.”
“Just give it time. If you still have concerns about something, talk to Seven about it, and he’ll get it sorted.”
“Thanks. I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who’s gone through all this.”
“No. We’ve all been there, and I can honestly say, the good outweighs the bad ten-fold.”
“Good to know.”
We kept at it, and when we’d almost gotten everything done, I sent Casey and Jenna home. I wanted to wrap up the last of it myself so I could have a moment alone before I closed this chapter on my life.
Once I had my last few pieces boxed up, I wiped everything down, and I was about to hit the lights when I noticed a figure at the front door. It startled me, but then I saw that it was Marcus.
I never thought I’d look at him and feel anything other than love and loyalty. He had been my best friend since high school. He was the one person I could always count on and had never let me down.
Until now.
Now, I knew the truth, and the mere sight of him made my stomach twist into a knot. He must’ve seen the storm brewing in my eyes because his smile faded the second I started toward the door. His easy stance stiffened, and when I opened the door, his brows furrowed. “Tallie? What’s wrong?”
“You have some real nerve showing up here.”
His jaw clenched, but he didn’t interrupt.
I stopped just a foot away, close enough that I could see the flicker of guilt in his eyes when I asked, “How long did you know?”
“Know what?”
“That Holt was alive?”
He didn’t answer.
I took a step closer as I pushed, “How long, Marcus?”
Shame was written all over his face as he muttered, “A while.”
The words hit like a slap.
A while.
All those years I spent grieving. All those nights, I cried myself to sleep, thinking I’d lost the only man I’d ever loved. And he knew. He knew Holt was alive, and he let me drown in that grief anyway. “You were supposed to be my best friend.”
“I am your best friend! That’s never changed.”
“You lied to me!”
“I was trying to protect you.”
“Oh my God! Why does everyone keep saying that? It makes no sense! I didn’t need protecting. I needed Holt!” A bitter laugh escaped before I could stop it. “Do you have any idea what that did to me? Do you have any idea how much I needed to know the truth?”
He looked away, but I wasn’t done.
“I trusted you, Marcus. More than anyone. I told you everything. And you never said a word. You let me believe he was dead.”
“I didn’t know how to tell you. And when I did, it was too late.”
“You’re right. It is too late. You need to go, Marcus.”
“Tallie, please. Let me explain.”
“There’s nothing you can say.”
“Tallie…”
“No,” I cut him off. “We’re done, Marcus.”
His whole body went still.
I could see it in his face. He knew I meant it, and it wasn’t just anger talking. I was done.
“I’m sorry, Tallie.” When I didn’t respond, he lowered his head and said, “If you ever change your mind…”
“I won’t.”
With that, he gave me a nod and turned to leave. It was hard to close the door on a friendship that I’d had for so long, but deep down, I knew I had no other choice. He’d lied to me for years, and there was no coming back from that. I felt the same way about my mother.
She was my mother. Nothing could change that.
But I’d never look at her the same way again.
She let me believe Holt was dead. She watched me grieve and held me while I cried. I spent years drowning in that pain, and she just let me. She never once considered telling me the truth.
It was a hard pill to swallow.