Page 98 of Allegiance

“A girl after my own heart,” he said, and then told her because she deserved to know. The baby her mother was carrying was his son or daughter, and he would stick around.

Hell.

He’d take care of Violet too.

A lot had changed for him in a few hours.

“I was married to this girl, and she came to New Orleans to follow me, and it made her into something she had no control over. When her father was murdered, she snapped and started killing people. Because of me, and her following me here, she died. I’ve blamed myself for the last year. I feel guilty for so much in my life.”

She rubbed her hand on his shoulder.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay, Violet. I’m working through it. We all have to find our way.”

That she understood.

“Me too. I think I’ve found my way.”

As she unwrapped her candy bar, he kept working.

“You look happy. I’m so glad you are. You deserve to be safe.”

She smiled.

“Callista says that your past is your past. You have to let go of it. I’m not a whore. I’m Violet, and I’m a good person.”

He stopped working.

“You were never a whore. You were a child that men took advantage of. You were a child who got lost in the shuffle. If anything, Violet, they are to blame. Your past is not your burden to carry.”

She rested her head on his shoulder.

“Thank you for that.”

“If anyone says otherwise, come find me. I’ll hunt them down, and I’ll hurt them. You are perfect as you are. You fought to get out, and that makes you amazing. You’re strong, Violet, and I’m proud of you,” he admitted.

“Thanks, Dakota. I needed to hear that. It’s nice to be able to be around a guy and not be fearful.”

“I will never hurt you, Violet. I won’t hurt your mother or that baby. I’d protect the three of you. I promise.”

She shared half of her candy bar.

“I’m sorry that you don’t look happy. Your heart is hurting too, isn’t it?”

What could he say to that?

This was a huge lesson to learn for him.

Humility.

Of course, he was going to be a dick, finally find a woman he was worried about but could protect herself, and he pissed her off.

OF.

COURSE.

He explained.