Page 95 of Blinded By Hate

My heart is beating so hard and fast to the point where I feel like I’m going to pass out.

“I need time to comprehend what you told me. Because I just can’t imagine the kind of danger you’ll get yourself into. I already know how the underground fighting was for you and now the Mafia. That’s insane.”

“I know.” Hayden turns me around so that I can look at him. “I just need to know you won’t run. I just thought you should know. I’m trying to be honest with you because I wasn’t before. You deserve that.”

“I know. I appreciate it, but Hayden, you said ‘mafia’ as if it’s some normal thing. The mafia is a big deal. How will it affect me or you?”

Or Junior.

“I don’t know. All I know is that no matter what, I don’t want to lose you and I will keep you safe no matter what.” Hayden grabs my face and rests his forehead against mine. “I’ll protect you. All you have to do is trust me.”

But trusting Hayden destroyed me.

“I want to. I’m just scared.”

Hayden nods his head. He wraps his arms around me and makes me rest my head on his chest.

We don’t say anything as I rest against Hayden. I try to clear my mind but all I can think about is what I’m getting myself into with him again.

Forty

Hayden

Present

“How did you end up working for Killian?” Jaclyn asks as we walk around with my arm around her shoulder.

We are at a mini festival that’s being held near the beach. There are booths and some food carts. There is also a giant Ferris wheel too which is in the center.

Jaclyn is holding my hand as it rests around her shoulders while looking up at me with curiosity.

I thought taking her here on a date would be fun and relaxing. We wouldn’t have to focus on the issues between us or what’s actually going on. We can pretend for a few hours that we’re back to being in college where we had no ugly past or memories.

When everything was okay.

“Rowan ended up introducing me to him after a while. Killian had heard of me and my fighting. He was impressed and wanted me to win some fights for him. Eventually it all just escalated and I dug myself in a hole with him.”

“Is it like Marco and how he was?”

I look down at Jaclyn and I swear fear is present in her eyes. I know she is worried about this whole thing with Killian and a new lifestyle, especially with how it’ll affect her. Plus her overthinking just makes it worse because she thinks about every scenario which isn’t good.

I know she is scared of getting hurt again but things are different, especially with Killian. He isn’t like Marco at all.

Marco was dirty and didn’t care about anyone but himself and money. Killian on the other hand has a family that he stands by. He knows that he has loved ones to protect so he isn’t the type to fuck you over without a valid reason.

“No. Killian isn’t like Marco. He may seem colder and harsher but he’s loyal and never goes back on his word. If you fuck him over then he’ll fuck you over. He is more of a ‘treat others how you want to be treated’ type of guy,” I explain as I caress her bare shoulder.

Tonight she’s wearing a red summer dress with small white flowers on it. It’s not too cold out tonight so she isn’t cold, but if she is I have my jacket that I’d love to give to her.

“Killian is the leader I’m assuming.”

I nod my head. “Yes. He is the main guy.”

“Who are you and Rowan?”

“I’m the second in command. So like Killian’s assistant although he likes to joke around and say I’m his little bitch.” I smile down at her in a joking way. She gives me a small smile back while still looking up at me. “And then Rowan isn’t a part of it. He has his own organization that I help with sometimes.”

I honestly have no clue where we are going or where we are headed. At this point we’re just walking and catching up.