Page 111 of Reckless Vengeance

“You said lots of food, so of course I came,” Mule joked, motioning to Zeena. “We usually hang out together on Thanksgiving anyway, so I dragged her along too. Hope that’s okay.”

“Totally fine. Josie is loving a full house. She’s made a mountain of food. C’mon, we’re in the formal dining room,” I answered, giving them both a look when they scrunched their noses. “I know, rich people are weird.”

I led them through the house to where everyone else was, introducing Zeena to Josie as we all sat down.

Caden carved the turkey, then everyone started helping themselves to food as they piled their plates high. I sat between Skeeter and Diesel, and conversation flowed around the table as everyone dug in.

“Josie, this is amazing,” Mule groaned as she took a large mouthful of turkey. “Thank you for inviting me.”

“You’re welcome. You’re always welcome here, all of you,” Josie smiled. “Does anyone want to say something they’re thankful for?”

“You and this turkey,” Mule grinned, making us all chuckle.

“I’m thankful for Mule dragging me along,” Zeena said as she motioned to me. “And Rory. We wouldn’t be here without her.”

“To Josie and Rory,” Skeeter said as he lifted his drink, and I rolled my eyes.

“It’s all Josie, trust me.”

“Take the praise, Donovan,” Brick chuckled, raising his drink too.

Everyone mumbled their agreement and lifted their drinks in a toast, and I watched Josie as she beamed.

“I’m thankful to have a full house. I’m so happy to have you all here,” she said brightly, and I glanced at Diesel, finding a blank look on his face as he picked at his food. He didn’t look like he was in the room with us, his mind elsewhere.

Skeeter kept glancing at him too, telling me my worry wasn’t me being paranoid and something was wrong.

“Excuse me,” Diesel said as he abruptly stood, leaving the room like his ass was on fire.

“Is he okay?” Josie asked as her eyes remained on the door where he’d left, and Skeeter sighed.

“Holidays are hard because of Sasha. He’ll probably leave, I shouldn't have pushed him into coming.”

“I’ll check on him,” I replied, his hand shooting out to grab my wrist before I could leave the room.

“I’d leave him alone. He’s⁠—”

“He’s hurting. If he wants to go and sit with Sasha instead of being here, I’ll go with him. I’ve got him, Skeet,” I answered firmly, waiting for him to nod and let go before jogging after Diesel.

I found him in the kitchen, his breathing forced like he was reminding himself to do it.

Was he having a panic attack?

“Hey. You don’t have to be here if you don’t want to be,” I murmured as I approached, his head snapping up at the sound of my voice.

“Sorry. I don’t think I can do this, Donovan. I tried, but⁠—”

“That’s okay. Would you rather go and see her? I’ll come with you if you need me to.”

He watched me silently, my heart breaking for him all over again. Sasha was so lucky, and I bet she’d known it too.

Being loved by Diesel would have been magical, I was sure of it. He put his everything into her, even all these years later.

I didn’t want to see Slash’s grave, but if I really had to go, I would. I’d do it for Diesel.

When he didn’t speak, I took a step closer. “Do you want a hug? I don’t want to assume⁠—”

I was cut off as he pulled me against him tightly, giving me an answer, so I wrapped my arms around him and held on. He let out a shuddering breath, his body shaking slightly as he tried hard to relax, and I ran my hand up and down his back to comfort him.