Sinner's Revenge (Sinner's Creed MC #2)(90)
I consider his words. Hell, I don’t doubt them. But I have to try, because I owe it to Diem. I’ve said many times that I’d give my life for her, and that’s exactly what I plan to do.
Standing out of respect, I enforce my decision that I know he’ll support. “I’m leaving Sinner’s Creed. I’m gonna give Diem that life I promised. I might miss the club. One day I might hate myself for leaving it. And I’ll have to live with that. But just the thought of living one more f*cking day on this earth without her hurts more than anything I’ve ever felt. And that’s a pain I just can’t live with.”
He studies me, knowing he’d do the same if he ever had to choose. His jaw clenches, fighting against the same emotions I feel in my chest for this man. Next to Dirk, he’s the greatest brother I’ve ever had. I was his teacher, his leader. He felt like he owed me his life, but he owed me nothing. It was an honor to ride with him, and I know he feels the same.
With my one good arm, I pull him in. There is no pride when it comes to loving my brother. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for him. He’s looked to me for guidance for years. He’s depended on me to carry him through the dark times. This moment is no different. So I stand strong and bear the weight of his grief. I’ll miss all my brothers, but I’ll miss him most. Losing him is the only regret I have in my decision to leave Sinner’s Creed.
Placing my lips against his, I kiss this man—my brother. It’s not a romantic gesture or a passionate kiss like I’d give Diem. This is a show of love, loyalty, honor, and respect. Where Diem was my greatest love, Rookie was my greatest accomplishment. Like Dirk, he expresses the true meaning of Sinner’s Creed by just existing. Even though I’m saying good-bye to the club, I’m leaving my mark with Rookie.
Because he isn’t just another member with a patch—he’s my f*cking legacy.
32
I TAKE EVERYTHING from the cabin I can carry on my back—the important things that I just can’t live without. Standing at the door, I give one last look at the only place other than Dirk and Saylor’s that has ever felt like home. And I’m reminded that the feeling existed because Diem was there.
The four of us climb into my truck, and Carrie drives us to the airport for our flight to Jackpot. Rookie once told me that he keeps things from her. Judging by the look on her face, she’s about tired of being kept in the dark.
I give her a one-armed hug, kissing her cheek as we say our good-byes. “Till next time,” I say, giving her a wink.
She smiles. “Take care of that shoulder . . . and Diem. I kinda like her.” I smirk. I guess Diem does have a friend.
We head inside, leaving Rookie to say his good-byes that don’t go as smoothly as he probably planned. I should probably tell him that keeping her in the dark is a bad move on his part. But I wasn’t much on giving relationship advice. He’d figure it out soon enough on his own.
Diem is shocked that we’re flying first class. I guess she thinks we’re poor. She even offers to pay for her ticket, but quickly shuts up when Rookie and I both level her with a look. I keep her close to me and my eyes open. I don’t want to be caught off guard if one of Dorian’s men shows up. Diem doesn’t look the least bit worried. Rookie assured me we had a week. So did Clark and Diem. Obviously, I’m not as trusting as them.
We’re drinking Bloody Marys on the plane waiting for the final passengers to board, when a familiar face catches my attention. I look over at Rookie, who’s sitting across the aisle from me, but his eyes are closed and he’s wearing headphones.
I try to clear my throat, but he doesn’t budge. So I just let Carrie stand in front of him, with her hands on her hips while she wears a look that makes me think she’s devising a plan to kill him. I feel Diem’s hand wrap around my arm as she shifts in her seat to get a better view of the shit that’s fixing to hit the fan.
Eventually, I guess Rookie feels eyes on him and looks up. He takes Carrie in, blinking a few times to make sure he isn’t dreaming. Then he looks over at me. Knowing he’d do the same, I just give him a shrug. Turning back to Carrie, he slowly lowers his headphones.
“Carrie,” he says cautiously. I’ve never seen her this pissed. I’m guessing he hasn’t either.
“You’ve walked out on me for the last time, Rookie,” she starts, her voice shaky with anger. “I hate it has to come to this, but I’m giving you an ultimatum. Either I’m in this or I’m out. Your choice. But I’m tired of the lies. The secrets. The lonely nights. I can’t do it anymore.” Her voice breaks as she struggles to hold it together.
Rookie just stares up at her, his face unreadable. I want to kick him, then demand he say something. The girl is dangling by a thin rope. And that motherf*cker is holding the other end. He needs to just let her go, or grab her by the arms and pull her in. There’s no other option at this point. She’d said her piece.
Without taking his eyes off her, he grabs his bag from the seat and stands. My eyes narrow, wondering what in the hell he is doing. Then, lifting the compartment above his head, he shoves the bag inside and motions for her to take a seat.
“I may or may not have had something to do with this,” Diem whispers to me. I turn to look at her, raising my eyebrows. “What?” she asks, feigning innocence. “I like her. She deserves to know the truth.”