Trusting Nicole (The Last Hangman MC #4)(69)

“Trust me, we’ve all had our moments of doubt.”

“Really?” I scoff.

“Oh yeah, you have no idea how many times Aleck pushed Line away and yet she stuck with him after all these years. I tried to push Viv away, thinking that her being away from me would be the best thing, but I was wrong. It’s the same for Nicole. You feel like your past is tainting your life, but it isn’t, it’s just in your head and you have to accept it. I regret some of the things I’ve done in the past. I’ve killed people too and I’ve enjoyed killing some of them, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to go on a killing spree or hurt my woman or my friends. And I know you won’t hurt my sister, or I wouldn’t allow you two to be together. Yes, we live a f*cked up life, but we aren’t cold blooded killers. We are normal human beings with a twist. A deadly twist at times, but a little bit of excitement and danger makes life interesting. Don’t let your past cloud the bright sky you’re under at the moment. You’ll get some clouds, even some thunderstorms but no matter what, Nicole will always be by your side. And so will we. You’re family. If you need a kick up the ass, we’ll happily provide it to you, both figuratively and literally. You’re not the monster you think you are.”

He does know how to shut me up. What he just said hit right home. I do think of myself as a monster, a heartless one. They all did and their women made them realize that they were just doing what they had to do to survive, and so was I. I never had a problem with it until I realized how much I loved Nicole. “I think you’re right.”

“I know I’m right. Nicole is precious but she’s also stubborn, can be a f*cking bitch and a ball buster, but when she loves, she loves hard and will give it her all. She was ready to sacrifice her life for yours. Don’t let her slip through your fingers. You’ll be good for her, I think you’re the only one who could handle her and you’re the only one I’d approve of.” He sighs.

“You approve of me?” I ask in disbelief.

“Yeah. As much as it kills me to say because I kept telling her no one would ever be good enough for her. You are a good man, despite what you think of yourself. She loves you, I really don’t see why but she does. You are loyal and even though you’ve made mistakes, I see the way you two look at each other, it’s the same way Aleck, Ant and I look at our women. Just don’t hurt her, please.”

“I won’t. I promise.” I smile.

“What made you go back to her earlier?”

“When I went through some stuff from my past, I found some pictures and my first few Halloween costumes and I kept picturing Nicole and I with a kid wearing those costumes. That’s when I realized I needed her in my life permanently but the more I talked about it with her, the more freaked out I got.”

“It’ll happen again. Just don’t let those nagging voices in your head get the best of you. They won’t do you and Nic any good.”

“That’s for sure.” We both chuckle.

“Last question. Why do you call her kitten?” He chuckles and I burst out laughing.

“You really don’t want to know.”

“I do.” He looks at me, confused.

“Alright, if you’re sure.” I try to keep a serious face.

“I’m sure.”

“She purrs when she orgasms.”

“You sick f*ck.” I duck just in time to miss his fist as he tries to punch me.

“You asked!” I laugh and he joins me shaking his head.

“I’ll keep my mouth shut next time.”

“Told you.” I shrug and we both join the others in the bar. I try to decline a beer, but they all insist.





CHAPTER 31




Nicole

I’m sulking in my corner as the girls are gossiping and chit chatting, all the while eating cake.

“What’s with the long face, Kitten?” Ayd mimics Jase, making me smile.

“We had a fight.” I sigh.

“Why?”

“Because he’s stubborn, that’s why! Same as with Aleck and Gabe, he’s pushing me away to protect me and all that shit.” We all frown.

“Men! They need a good kick in the balls but we do need those balls." Viv says making all of us laugh.

“So true.” I sigh.

“So, what do you want with Jase?” Ayd grins widely as she stuffs a piece of cake in her mouth.

“Everything. I want kids, a wedding, a nice house, the whole package, but I feel like he’s going to fight me on that too when we get to that talk.”

“He’s it for you.” They both squeak, scaring Cameron who was peacefully eating his piece of cake. “Sorry, honey,” Ayd says kissing his head.

“Mama more cake!” He stands up on the bench and tries to reach for more cake.

“He’s totally like his mother. Obsessed with cake,” I whisper loudly to Viv.

“I heard you! And it’s a healthy obs-okay, maybe not so healthy, but it’s homemade at least, that’s something, right?” She looks at us, her eyes wide.

“It’s better than store bought that’s for sure.”

“Phew, goodie then, more cake!” She giggles and serves Cameron and herself another slice each.