Page 48 of Could Be Worse
“It’s fucked up. But I’m sure he needs money and thought she’d tell me, then he would make his demands. Of course, she left town instead and didn’t tell me right away.”
“Did he ask for money?”
“Last night he sent her a text and demanded five million.”
My jaw dropped. “Who has that kind of money?”
“We do. The club, I mean. But he’s not getting a penny from us. He’ll pay, though, for what he did to my peanut.”
The murderous tone in his voice had me questioning why I had agreed to come to the compound. These bikers were deadly, and not the forgiving kind. Everyone in town knew to steer clear and not piss them off. And what had I done? Brought my sweet girls into their world.
Christ, what had I been thinking? “I’ve changed my mind. Will you take us home?”
The door opened, and Sadie appeared. “You’re leaving?”
“Sadie!” The girls ran out of the bedroom and wrapped their arms around her.
“I missed you,” Cat said.
“Me too!” Tori screeched.
“Aww, I missed you both, too.” She kissed their heads, but her eyes were on me.
“Girls, go in the room, so I can talk to Sadie.”
They pouted and left.
“I’ll give you some privacy,” Zander said. “Just let me know what you decide.” He left and closed the door.
Sadie moved toward me slowly. “I’m sorry about this.”
“Don’t be. It’s not your fault, but I can’t be here with the girls. This world isn’t right for us.” I caressed her cheek, the lure to her stronger than I’d ever felt toward anyone.
“I understand. It’s better to end things before someone gets attached.” She teared up and turned away.
Hearts were already getting attached. I couldn’t deny the intense feelings I felt for her.
“If I didn’t have the girls…” I leaned down and kissed her lips. “God, if it was only me.”
“Don’t say anymore.” She hooked her arms around my neck and hugged me. “Let’s just rip it off like a Band-Aid.”
Damn, she was strong, like her dad had said.
“Are you going back to New York when the situation is resolved?” I hated the thought of never seeing her again, but it might be easier if I knew she was far away.
“I think so. It’d be too hard to be here now. You could come with me…” She smiled softly.
I swallowed the emotion in my throat. “Me and New York City wouldn’t work out so well.”
“I thought so. Sort of wish we didn’t work out so well.” A tear slipped out of the corner of her beautiful hazel-green eyes.
“Me too.” I kissed her frantically, inhaling her essence into my lungs to carry with me for the rest of my life. It sounded crazy, but I knew I was giving up my person, the one I was meant to share my life with.
Sadie ended the kiss and pulled away. “I’ll go say good-bye to the girls. When I come out of the bedroom, I’m going to leave, and you can take them and go.”
“Sadie—”
“Shh.” She put her finger on my lips. “Please, Bryce. I can’t…” She went down the short hallway and disappeared into the bedroom.