Devil (Savage MC--Tennessee 1)

Torrent’s face goes pale, and I contain my smile as she trembles. Her hand reaches out to mine and she holds it tight.

“God. I do too. It’s so empty without him here—isn’t it, Wolf?”

“It is. I still expect the bastard to come storming in ready to tell me some damn story and make me laugh.”

“I keep having nightmares of him. He’s trying to tell me something, but I can never understand.”

“It’s the trauma, Tor. You saw too much. I’m sorry I couldn’t save you sooner.”

“I owe you so much. More than what I’ve given you, that’s for sure. I need to talk to you about something, Wolf, but I’m… scared.”

Fuck… that right there… weakness. The Torrent I wanted would never admit to being scared. I manage to keep the distaste off my face, but it’s not easy. I can’t play my hand yet.

Not yet.

“You never have to be scared with me, Torrent. You’re always safe with me. You know that. Your father knew that. I will always protect you.”

“I know. My father loved you so much, Wolf. You were the only one he truly trusted.”

That’s because he was a stupid son of a bitch.

“It will be okay, Torrent. You’ll heal and I’ll be here to help you. Don’t keep things inside. I want to be your friend too, you know. I want to be here in any way you will let me. You can tell me anything.”

“You might not after I tell you what I…have to tell you,” she says and I stop myself from rolling my eyes.

Get it over with, bitch.

“Tell me, baby,” I urge.

“I’ve been seeing… Devil.”

I pull back, trying to act like what she’s telling me is a shock. I should win a damn Oscar.

“When did this happen, Torrent?”

“While you were away. I went to him to ask him to leave. I was afraid him being here would upset you more and I… I didn’t want that.”

Maybe she’s smarter than I gave her credit for.

“It kind of just…happened, Wolf. I didn’t plan it—I swear.”

“I thought you promised to give us a real shot, Tor. I love you,” I tell her, my voice so full of disappointment and sadness, it’s hard not to cackle at the shame that swamps her face.

“I’m sorry,” she whispers, her voice so full of guilt, I can’t help but find some satisfaction in it.

“So, your decision is made,” I answer and then breathe heavily, as if I have any intention of losing gracefully.

“Well, yes. I’m sorry. Of course it’s not like it matters anymore. Devil hates me.”

“No one could hate you, Tor.”

Except for me. I’m getting there faster and faster.

“He does. He left. He went back to his club,” she whispers and fuck if the waterworks don’t start. I hope I can make it through this fucking dinner without choking her like I did her mother.TorrentI shouldn’t be talking to Wolf, I guess. I know that it would upset Devil even more, but he left and I’m alone. I don’t have friends. I had my father and his men. Other girls stayed away from me because of my family and those that didn’t… they used me to try and get closer to the men. I learned the hard way friendships weren’t worth it.

“He left you?” Wolf asks. I can hear the shock in his voice. Maybe he finds it hard to believe, but then he doesn’t know everything I’ve put Devil through. Devil deserved better. I’m surprised he stayed around as long as he did.

“He was upset because I wouldn’t let him talk to you. He wanted to tell you about our relationship. I wasn’t going to hide it from you, Wolf, I promise. I felt I needed to be the one to tell you. I didn’t want to spring it on you. I felt I owed you more than that.”

“Well, you were right.”

“I was?” I don’t know if I’m shocked or confused by Wolf’s answer. I didn’t expect a man to see my side.

“Of course you were, Tor. We have a special relationship and a lot of years between us. It hurts knowing that you found someone else to make you happy. You know how much I love and care for you. I’ve made no secret of the dreams I had for the two of us.”

“Wolf—”

“It’s okay, baby. I just meant, as much as it hurts now, it would have hurt a lot more if you hadn’t been the one to tell me.”

“That’s what I thought. I wanted to make Devil understand, but I couldn’t. It’s… you’re my family, Wolf. You’re all I have left. I don’t want to lose you.”

“You won’t lose me, Torrent,” he murmurs and then he pulls me in to kiss me gently. There’s nothing romantic or sexual about it. It’s meant to reassure me and I try to hold on to it. I need Wolf right now. I don’t have my father and now… I don’t have Devil. Eventually I will get stronger and I won’t need anyone again. Someday…