Page 114 of Tank’s Weakness

Guilt rolls through me. “I don’t mean to make him worry,” I say quietly.

“I know. You went through something traumatic, and now you’re trying to come to terms with it. The two of you haven’t been together that long, so he doesn’t know how you operate. Not fully, at least not yet,” she murmurs.

“He will. Eventually.”

Erica hums. “So you plan on keeping him?”

“Of course. Why? Did he say something?” I ask, fear seeping into my voice.

“Calm down. He didn’t say anything. I was only asking because I know this is a lot, and you two didn’t exactly start off planning on being permanent.”

Taking a deep breath, I feel the anxiety over the possibility of him leaving me leave.

“I still want him. None of what happened is his fault. Yes, I watched him do something that is normally deemed inexcusable, but he did it for me. I’m worried that this is all too much for him. That because Acid is going away, they will all hold it against me, and he will walk away. That it will all be too much. Too complicated.”

Erica laughs. Like full body shake, tears leaking from her eyes, laughs.

“I’m glad you think my concern is funny,” I deadpan.

“I’m sorry, but that’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever said. That man is head over heels in love with you. He wants you to be his old lady. That hasn’t changed just because your ex was a fucking psycho. Who, in case you need a reminder, is currently ash and sitting on his parents’ mantel.”

I wince at the description.

“I do feel bad for them. They were always good to me.” Shaking my head, I let out a deep breath. “Also, Tank already made me his old lady.”

“What? You didn’t tell me?” she hisses, smacking my arm.

“We were in lockdown, and you had that stuff going on at work, so it didn’t come up, but yeah. I guess I’m already his old lady.”

She laughs. “Girl, then you don’t stand a chance. He won’t ever let you go. At least, that’s how it works in books.”

I smile, loving how chaotic she can be. She is my best friend, and I love her.

“So, it wasn’t Acid then?” she whispers, sobering up.

I shake my head. “Tank took care of it. That’s all I should say.”

She nods. “I always knew I liked him. This Acid guy too.”

I shake my head. “I was just thinking I need to add money to Acid’s commissary card. I don’t want him to go without while being in there.”

She doesn’t tell me that it’s unnecessary or remind me that the club is taking care of their own. It’s what Tank said when I suggested it.

“That’s sweet of you,” she says quietly.

“Have you seen the news?” I ask.

Erica sighs. “It’s mixed. Half say he deserves it, and the other says that Acid should serve as much time as possible. The evidence is damning, though. For Blaine I mean. An inside source with the police mentioned that when they cleaned out his place, there were pictures of you everywhere. It had been evident that he had been watching you for a long time. Like even before you broke up. It seemed manic. Everything that comes to light is in your favor. People are calling for stalking reform and for it to be taken more seriously.”

“I love that people are demanding change, but I wish I weren’t part of it,” I say quietly.

“I know.”

We fall silent and stare into space.

After a few minutes, Erica stands and holds her hand out to me. “Come on. I think there is a guy out there who’s head over heels for you who could use some reassurance.”

“You just want to get a glimpse of your next boy toy,” I tease, making her laugh.