Page 58 of Bane's Beginning

“A friend,” he said. “I just helped him get in. You know-” I quickly cut him off.

“He will never find out,” I assured him, and he smiled.

***

“Are you sure it’s safe to come up with me?” I asked Luca as we rode the elevator up to Labor and Delivery.

“I had strict directions that I was to escort you back,” he chuckled. “Besides that, your man doesn’t scare me.”

“He doesn’t?” I asked, not believing him.

“Well, maybe a little, but that stays between us.”

I pretended to zip my lips shut and we both laughed. The elevator dinged and the doors shot open. With a perfect view of the waiting room, everyone looked up at the elevator and atme. The room was packed with club members and old ladies. I watched as Maverick, Davien, Jane and Anna rushed over to me with worried looks on their faces.

Maverick was the first to hug me and I grimaced at the pain that shot up into my back. He quickly let me go and placed a gentle kiss on my lips.

“You need a doctor,” he said, his worried eyes giving me a once-over.

“Doc can look at me later,” I said and offered smiles to the others.

“You kept your word,” Bane said to Luca and I watched the awkward exchange.

“Take care of her this time,” he said back and turned to me. “Thea suits you much better than Francesca, Mia Cara.” (My dear.)

“Promise me something else,” he said and I nodded. “You won’t live another moment in the darkness of your past.”

“Luca,” I said.

“No, listen. Thea, you have to stop punishing yourself for the things you haven’t caused. Only one person is to blame for this and it isn’t you. It’s time for you to live for only your happiness and yours alone. Promise me, and I promise to continue to do my best to keep my brother away from you, especially now that your identity has been compromised.”

I placed a hand on his arm and smiled at him.

“I know you will,” I said. “And I promise.”

“Good,” he smiled at me and nodded his head to the others. I couldn’t help it and gave him a gentle hug. After a moment, I lethim go, and he stepped back onto the elevator, nodding to the others.

“Gentleman, ladies,” he saluted and the elevator doors shut.

“God, that man was beautiful,” Anna said as we walked into the waiting room.

“Anna, babe, you really need to get laid,” I teased and she pulled me into a hug.

“I’m so glad you’re okay,” she said faintly.

“I’m okay,” I assured her, ignoring the look of disbelief Maverick was giving me. He was seeing through my facade like he was always able to do. I was broken inside and we both knew it.

“I have something to say, though.” All eyes shot over to me as the room got silent. “I’m so beyond sorry that my past affected the safety of the club. I should have been honest and because I wasn’t, Serena and Blake got hurt,” I paused. “Oh god, Blake!”

“He’s okay, babe,” Maverick said and kissed my forehead. “And none of us blame you. We’re all just glad you’re back and safe.”

“If anything, I blame myself because you should have been able to trust me to protect you, little sis. And I’m not just talking about now, I’m talking about two years ago.”

“Dav, it’s not your fault,” I said. “I did trust you and that’s why when I found you, I was going to tell you everything so we could deal with it together, but I thought it was just going to be you. I wasn’t expecting you to have Serena and the club, too. That’s why I kept trying to leave, I couldn’t risk putting all of you in danger.”

He gently wrapped me into his arms, and I let the tears come down.

“I will always do my best to protect you,” he said. “No matter what else is going on. I’m sorry, Thea, I’m so sorry.”