“Are you saying the rest of the club was wrong?”
He places his hand on my arm. “I’m saying they didn’t get enough time with her, and you are their president. They are only looking out for you. They made the best decision with their limited information. But you … you see a bigger picture. Cole and I see it too. You’re not under any goddamn spell.”
His mentioning my internal thoughts gives me hope. Is it a sign from the universe? I want to believe she didn’t knowingly put my sister at risk, but I’ve been let down by my own mother. How am I supposed to trust any woman if I couldn’t her?
“Give me permission to tail her.”
“And if I don’t?”
He looks away from me. “Can I talk to you man to man, outside of the club?”
I nod my head, already knowing I’m not going to like what he has to say.
“I know Janet fucked you up, but you’ve got to forgive her. And not for her … for you.” He presses his hand against my chest. “It’s the only way you’re going to be able to be the man Serenity deserves. Same goes for that little girl in the kitchen.”
It’s a punch to my goddamn ego, and I know why. It’s because it’s coming from someone I know is pure of heart. He and his brother risked their lives for a woman they barely knew. They’re a different breed of men. The kind I strive to be.
“I can’t lie to the club about where you’re at,” I tell him.
“So don’t.”
I shake my head, rubbing my temples.
“If the consensus is wrong, she could be in danger,” he reasons.
He’s right. My heart begins to pound in my chest. I shouldn’t have let her go. I should have talked to her myself before we went to the Trough. I didn’t even give her a chance to explain.
“She could be anywhere,” I say more to myself than to him.
“So, I have your blessing?”
My head snaps up. “You’re already tracking her?” I whisper as if someone might hear us.
He just smiles and begins to back away, his eyes sliding toward the kitchen. “I’m off, little brother,” he announces.
Cole steps out with a spatula in his hand. “I’m not your little brother.”
“By a quarter of an inch you are.”
“Bullshit.”
They stare at each other for a moment. The look that passes between the two of them is one I recognize. Every time you hit the road, it could be your last.
My head falls in shame as he walks out the door because it should be me going after her.
Cole places his hand on my shoulder. “You have Mila.”
“I know, but I shouldn’t have let Serenity leave in the first place.”
“Even though I hate it, I think it had to be this way. We all understand there can be no risks when it comes to your sister. Serenity knows this too.”
“More pancakes!” Mila yells from the kitchen.
Cole smiles. “Everything happens the way it’s meant to. Right now, you need to focus on your sister.”
He’s right. Mila needs me more than ever right now. “Could you sit with her while I shower?”
“I’m here until Serenity comes home.”