Page 36 of Reid

Blake shrugged. “Don’t know but I want to find out. If he betrayed us for his sister, it makes it easier to swallow, but either way, he betrayed us so I’m not sure it makes much difference.”

“True dat.”

“So, you and Callie getting on well?” Blake waggled his eyebrows and smirked.

“I like her and just finished telling my best friend, who is also her brother, I do.”

“Ouch, how did he take it?”

“Surprisingly well, although he threatened to cut my balls off if I hurt her.”

“Standard but you won’t hurt her.”

Reid cocked his head to the side as he regarded Blake. “How can you know that?”

Blake shoved a few things in a bag and zipped it. “Because you look at her like I look at Grace. I’d rather die than hurt her, and that’s what I see when you look at Callie.”

“When did you see us together?”

“Yesterday as you were leaving. I was pulling in, and the look on your face said it all. You love her.”

“No.” The denial was quick, perhaps too quick.

Blake capped him on the shoulder. “Deny it all you want; it won’t do you any good.”

“It’s too soon to know that.”

“I knew I loved Grace in Monaco. I was just too stupid to admit to myself.”

“That soon?”

“Yep, when you know you know.”

Reid stood and slammed his locker door shut. “Maybe for you but not for someone like me whose father didn’t bother sticking around and abandoned his mom and sisters.”

“Reid, don’t let ignorant shit like that thought cloud your judgement. I never met your father, but I’ve met your mom and sisters. They love you, and they know how much you love them. Having a life that doesn’t revolve around them doesn’t mean you abandoned them. You went to every hospital appointment your sister had, and last year you saw your family more than I saw mine. Does that sound like a man who walked out on his family?” Blake squeezed his shoulder. “I don’t know where you got that idea from, but it’s whacked. You’re a good family man, Reid, and Callie would be lucky to have you. Having said that, she’s way out of your ugly assed league.”

Reid chuckled. “That she is.”

He didn’t say more, needing to process what Blake had said. He instead thought about what the day held for him and Callie as he fought the grin on his face as he drove back towards his sunshine.

Chapter Fourteen

He watched from the corner of the street as Mitch entered the police station, his head on a swivel. Always waiting for the threat that would take them down. Gunner had never ever believed he’d be that threat. That he’d be the enemy they feared, the traitor they all hated.

His gut churned in anger and bitterness towards the man who’d put him in this position. The same man he was on his way to meet with information that would weaken his old Eidolon colleagues—no, they’d been so much more than that. They had been his friends and a family unit who’d accepted him.

Now he was their enemy—the man who would get them all killed. Regret filled him as he thought about everything he’d walked away from. Turning his back on those men had been the single hardest thing he’d ever done. But choice had been taken from him when he’d taken the phone call that changed everything and now, he had to live with it.

Now he had to keep the one person who meant anything to him safe. It was his duty, but more than that, he owed her everything. She’d paid for his mistake, and now it was time for him to repay the debt he’d owed for more than two decades.

To do that, he’d need to harden his heart and forget the loyalties and friendships he’d forged and become the cold-hearted killer they all thought he already was.

He stepped from the shadows, knowing they’d never recognise him. With his shoulders hunched and his face clean-shaven, he was a different man than the one they called the Viking. He moved quickly between the tourists that ambled along the pavement. His destination was a short walk away from the bustle of the streets. Gunner slipped into a side alley and saw the large man at the entrance of the strip club that was really just a front for the man who now owned him.

The large, bald man gave him a chin lift in acknowledgement and let him in. He was carrying his firearm and three knives, but he knew inside this place it wouldn’t matter. His life meant nothing to these men, they’d kill him—not before he managed to kill a few of theirs—but kill him they would.

The thought held more appeal than living the life he’d been forced into. The only reason he didn’t try and kill them now was that he knew it would all be for nothing. No, his only choice was to see this through until the bitter end and wait for his moment to bring justice to the man he hated with a living breathing menace.