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Doesn’t feel so good having the rug ripped out from under you, does it?
“No, Grim. Leave her alone.” I see Jez sign as I wait for the elevator. “Don’t worry, I got this. I won’t fail her like I did your mom.”
What the hell?
CHAPTER33
GRIM
“What the fuckdid she mean, brother?”
As Jez walked away, Soul moved in front of me, confusion and animosity lighting his glare. I don’t know if Jez intended for anyone else to see her sign, but her twin did, and now I’ve gotta figure out how to deal with it.
“Grim, start explaining,” Soul demands when I don’t reply.
The other brothers in the room pick up on his angst and begin to form a line of solidarity behind him.
“Maybe we should go to the sanctuary,” I suggest.
I don’t wait for him to call church before I’m storming out of the room. Based on the shadows on the wall, they’re all following me. When I reach the sanctuary, I stride in and take my seat.
As the others file in, one by one they stand behind their chairs as if needing to be ready to strike. I rise to my feet and follow suit.
I’ll be damned if I’m caught off guard by anyone… even if that someone is a brother.
“What did Jez mean when she won’t fail Violet like she did your mom?” Soul asks, and Malice signs for him.
Before I can respond, Rogue angrily leans over the table. “So many secrets, cuz.”
It’s been years since Rogue referred to me that way. Ever since I brought him into Saints Purgatory, I’ve been ‘brother’. It hurts to think that he might not regard me as such right now.
Seems I’m getting really good at hurting people, and not in the way that brings me joy.
“How did Jez fail Aunt Diane?” Rogue asks.
“She didn’t!” I shout as all my indignation recedes. Taking several deep breaths, I try to come up with a way to explain that won’t end with Soul hating his sister. “Back when you two,” I begin, pointing at my prez and VP. “Back when you went into the military, I went my own way. I was angry, bitter, full of so much hate that I knew I couldn’t be near anyone I gave a damn about.”
“You never said anything,” Malice accuses, but his expression conveys more sadness than frustration.
I narrow my eyes. “When was I supposed to say something, Mal? You and Soul were off playing hero, and I wasn’t about to distract you.” I shake my head. “No, I didn’t say anything. Forgive me if I wanted the two of the most important people in my life to focus on staying alive.”
“Okay, calm down,” Abyss chimes in. “Nothing good comes from an angry Grim.”
“And I want to know what my sister has to do with any of this fucker’s bullshit.”
Malice steps next to Soul and rests his hand on his shoulder. “Brother, I know you’re pissed, but it’s Grim. Give him the benefit of the doubt.”
Soul glares at Malice, and then he nods curtly before facing me again. “You better start explaining before I forget that Malice has a goddamn point.”
“Look, this isn’t easy for me,” I tell him. “Jez and I made a pact that the events of those four years are to stay between us, no matter what. If I spill the beans now, what kind of man does that make me?”
“It makes you a man who gets to continue breathing,” he seethes.
I start to pace, attempting to buy myself time. Jez will kill me if I tell Soul. And honestly, I wouldn’t blame her. As I turn on my heel, my cell vibrates, and I groan at the realization that I forgot to take it out of my pocket upon entering the sanctuary.
They’re already pissed at you… Might as well make sure it’s not Violet.
I take my phone out of my cut and glance at the screen.
