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“Not happening.Do I want to see this?Not really.But I owe it to my sisters to make sure it’s done.”
Mars shook his head but finally he leaned down and pressed his lips to mine before murmuring for my ears alone.“You’re gonna be one fine old lady, Scarlet.And a fine mother.Plan on knockin’ you up first chance I get.”
That got a bark of laughter from me even though there was nothing about this entire situation fit to laugh at.
“Do you mean that, Mars?”Claw stepped to the side but backed up several steps instead of coming closer.“Really mean it.You’ll make my daughter your old lady?You’ll take care of her?”Apparently, Mars hadn’t been quiet enough.
“It’s already done, Claw.You know Iron Tzars is for life.She’s wearin’ my property patch and Ace has started her tattoo.She’s mine and I’m hers.”
“I know you have… issues.Can you fight your demons and not hurt Scarlet accidentally?”
“He already has fought those, Claw.”I gave my father a frown.“Did you ask Hammer the same questions before you sent me off with a smile and a fucking princess wave?”
Claw winced.Surprisingly, he answered.“No, Scarlet.I didn’t.”His voice was barely audible.That’s when I noticed he had a gun in his hand.It was a gun I’d seen him carry on multiple occasions.He’d once told me it was powerful enough that all you had to do was hit your target anywhere and it would incapacitate them.“I should have.”
Something told me I needed to get any answers I wanted from my father now, so I blurted out the one question burning in my mind.“Did Mom really die giving birth to the twins?”
Claw winced and my heart sank.“I’m sorry, honey.No.”
I couldn’t breathe.My knees went weak and it took every ounce of will I had to lock them and stay upright.My ears roared and my vision wanted to close in.White dots danced on the periphery and I forced myself to suck in a breath before I passed out.
Then Mars asked the question I couldn’t.“What happened to her?What happened to Scarlet’s mother?”
“It was complicated,” Claw said.“But the short of it is, she betrayed the club.That’s really all that matters.Once she gave birth, I killed her.”
“So, my whole life’s been a lie?”My question was whispered.It was hard to speak.My throat wanted to close up, and I knew it was only a matter of time before I passed out.“How can I trust what you say ever again?”
“I can vouch for him on this, Scarlet.”Rocket’s voice was gentle.He glanced at his vice president.The look he gave Claw was one of deep disapproval.“He was supposed to tell you.When you were old enough.I was unaware he’d told you Madina had died in childbirth.And it was more that she betrayed you, Claw, not the club, and you damned well know it.”
“How was I supposed to tell my daughter that I killed her mother, Rocket, huh?You tell me how I do that!”
“I could have helped you, Claw.Now, I have no idea what to do.Why did you send her away with Hammer?”
“You know why,” Claw snarled.“We had terrorists breathing down our neck.”
“We always have terrorists breathing down our neck,” Rocket snarled.“Fuck!What the fuck did you do?You said she asked to go.That she begged you to let Hammer take her away from Grim.”
“It was the right thing to do, Rocket!I had to send her away!”
“No.You didn’t.Everyone was safe in Grim.You even left Sunshine and Rainbow in the compound.Scarlet could have stayed in Grim.And with someone other than Hammer.My God, man!You sent her into the fuckin’ lion’s den!”
“Wait.”Lemon stepped forward to stand beside me.Now I was flanked by Mars and Lemon.I was glad because I needed their tough brand of support just now.“Are you telling me you didn’t know Claw sent Scarlet with Hammer?”
Rocket didn’t take his eyes off Claw.“I knew they’d left, but I was under the impression the trip was Scarlet’s idea.That she and Hammer had something going on.I didn’t think it was a good idea, but it wasn’t really my business since Scarlet was eighteen.”
“I had no choice, Rocket.”Claw shook his head.“He was going to tell Scarlet.”
“So?You knew the connection he had with Madina.With your wife.With the twins.”
“What?”My voice was barely above a whisper.“What connection?”
Rocket adjusted his stance and glared at Claw.When Claw said nothing, Rocket shifted again, this time, bringing his boot down on the floor harder than strictly necessary to command Claw’s obedience without words.
“I’m sorry, Scarlet.”Claw shook his head.“So fuckin’ sorry.”
“Tell her, Claw.You owe her that much.”
“Hammer had an affair with your mother.He’s the father of Sunshine and Rainbow.She told me after she had them, and I just… lost my mind.I barely remember what I did, but I was covered in her blood when I finally came back to myself.He wanted you to get back at me for killing the woman he loved.”
