... and Forever (Next Generation: Chaos Bleeds 1)

He snorted. “It’s probably a good thing I didn’t think about it sooner. I might have shot them both and then I’d be in jail.” He took another sip of his beer. The smile on his lips looking slightly crazy. “I wanted to end it. I didn’t see how I was going to ever be whole again or make it out alive. Everything seemed to have gotten all fucked up so fast. I walked to a bridge. The first one I came to, and I stood for a good half an hour looking at the water. The way it rushed on past. People came and went. A few cars stopped by asking me if I needed any help. I told them no. I was fine. When I was sure I was alone, I pulled out the gun, feeling the weight of it in my hand. I figured there was no purpose for me to be here. No reason for me to live. I had no one. I put the gun to my temple and your boy, he was walking right toward me. I don’t know what would have happened that day but as you can see, I didn’t shoot myself.”

Twig nodded toward Simon, raised his beer, and took a sip.

“Holy fuck, you know how to bring down the mood of a party,” Felix said.

“That’s what I do. It’s why I don’t talk. At least I try not to. It’s nice to finally meet you, Tabs.”

“Likewise.”

For the next couple of hours, the guys relaxed, talking, reminiscing about old memories. Tabby sat beside him, listening, laughing, enjoying each moment. At least he hoped she had. Not a moment had gone by when he hadn’t missed her and the guys were making that perfectly clear.

When it was close to midnight, the guys decided to head home, and Tabby had already made her way inside.

He helped clear up the yard, saying goodbyes to the guys and promising to have everything resolved soon.

They all gave him a hug, slapping him on the back before getting into the truck. Each of them had told him they liked Tabby. She was good for him.

As their headlights diminished, he held up his hand in a final wave before going to see his woman.

She’d already taken a quick shower and changed into a nightshirt.

“Are you going to say anything?” he asked.

“They seem like good guys.”

“They are. Do you like them?”

She ran a brush through her hair. “Does it matter if I do?”

“To me it does.”

“I … I’ve only just met them. Do I think they’d be a good fit to the club? Sure, I don’t see why not. You can’t judge someone in a short amount of time, Simon. If you’re looking for me to give you a slap on the back and a job well done, I can’t do that. You and I both know this is going to take time.”

“I never meant to hurt you.”

“I know that.”

“Then why do I feel like you think I did this on purpose?”

She sighed. “I don’t want to fight. We promised ourselves tonight. Can’t we stick to that promise?”

“We could, but I know this is hanging over our heads.”

“Simon, it will always be hanging over us. You made your choice that night. You picked revenge over me.”

“I picked justice.”

She rolled her eyes. “See, I just can’t talk to you when you’re like this.” She moved toward the bed. “Please, give me tonight. I gave it to you. I’m not running away. I met your friends and they seem like good people, but that’s all. I’m not going to pass judgment. We’re not in charge of Chaos Bleeds, and whatever you may think, I’m not your old lady.”

He walked toward her, sinking his fingers into her hair and drawing her close. “You are my old lady. We’re going through a rough patch right now, but that doesn’t mean you don’t belong at my side.”

Slamming his lips down on hers, he kissed her hard, almost bruising. He figured she was going to hit him but Tabby always surprised him. She ran her hands up his chest and circled his neck, kissing him back.

Simon broke the kiss first. “I’m going to shower. You’ll be here?”

“I keep my promises, remember? One night. I’m not going to try to run.”

He nodded.

“But come tomorrow, we’re back to where we started.”

Gritting his teeth, he made his way into the shower to take one of the quickest washes he’d ever taken.Chapter Twelve“Are you being serious right now?” Tabitha asked.

“Yeah, totally serious.” Simon stood at the door with it open. She heard the car in the front yard running.

“You’re taking me back?”

He nodded.

She stepped toward him and paused. “Is there a catch?”

“Yeah. I want to meet our son. I want to know more about him and be a part of his life. You’ve also got to give me a chance.”