The week went entirely too fast after I danced again with Sirena in the cemetery after Mirage had left us.
I stayed each night with her after that, her tucked against my body, and my arms wrapped tightly around her like I was afraid she was a dream I’d wake from.
The guys were granting me this grace, but I could see it bothered them that I was hogging her. But I only had a week. Every moment needed to count for us.
I was being a glutton. I knew this. The most the guys got from her was a kiss in the morning and before bed because I always kept her to myself.
“Last night,” Ashes said to me while Sirena was in the shower and Stitches was at therapy.
I nodded glumly, knowing the end was near.
“Listen, I know you love her.” He opened and closed his lighter five times while he sat on the couch and watched me.
I shifted on the cushion and nodded, my throat tight. The words wouldn’t come out without me sounding like a choked-up bitch, so I didn’t even try.
“But you know how Dante is. He loses it in the Underground. He’s been there for a long fucking time this round. He’s already made his feelings known. Just. . . be strong, OK? It’ll be shit at first, but we’ll get it sorted.”
“He’s going to kill me.” I scrubbed my hand down my face and let out a groan. “Fuck, what am I supposed to do? Say? He’s never going to let me come back. I know everyone tells me he’ll do what Sirena wants, but Dante also does what he wants. If he’s already fucked because of being in the Underground, I don’t expect any moments of sentiment from him. I’ll take my punishment as he wishes.”
“I know, but you shouldn’t have to. I get where he’s coming from, just like I see where you’re coming from. You both love her. He only sees the negative. That’s simply how he works. You know that.”
“I know I fucked up and want to make it right. That I’m trying to make it right,” I said fiercely. “All I know is that I love her with everything I am or could possibly ever be. That I’ll stay on my knees forever, begging for forgiveness if that’s what it takes. I only want another chance to prove myself.” I looked at Ashes to see the expression of sadness on his face. He snapped his lighter closed and looked down at it.
“I know. Just stay strong. We’ll figure out how to break the news to him. It may take a few days, so be cool about it.”
I nodded morosely, knowing if I jumped the gun, I’d fuck everything up.
The front door banged open, and Stitches came rushing inside, his dark hair covered in snow.
“You need to go. Now,” he shouted breathlessly.
I got to my feet, my heart in my throat. Ashes followed, confusion on his face.
“Church. He’s back. I saw him in the office only minutes ago. He didn’t see me. I knew I had to get here. I forgot to charge my phone, and it died, so I couldn’t call. But seriously. Go. He’s coming.”
“I-I have to tell Sirena goodbye—”
“You can’t be here.” Ashes’s hands landed in the middle of my back. “Get out. We’ll tell her.”
He pushed me to the door, and Stitches tossed me my jacket.
Desperation raced through me.
“Please,” I started, my stomach twisting in worry.
“We’ll handle it. I’m sorry.” Ashes gave me a look that showcased he really meant it. “Be good, brother. We’ll see you soon.”
His use of the word brother had me backing away and nodding at him, trying hard to believe it.
“Go,” Stitches urged softly. “Don’t fuck this up.”
I had to leave. There was no other option. With a heavy heart, I turned and went out the door, leaving everything I loved behind but vowing to return soon.
