"And you're choosing to stay anyway? Even though it scares you?"
"Yeah."
"Why?"
"Because Everly's worth it. And I'm tired of running from who I am."
Diesel nods slowly. "I still don't fully trust you."
"I wouldn't trust me either."
"But I can see you're not the same kid you were."
"I'm trying not to be."
"Trying's not the same as succeeding."
"I know, but it's all I've got."
Diesel pushes off the wall and steps closer. "Let me be clear about something. Everly's not a test or a prize. She's my daughter, and if you ever hurt her, if she ever comes to me broken because of you, I will destroy you."
The words are said calmly but with absolute certainty.
"I understand," I say.
"Do you? Because I'm not talking about club consequences. I'm talking about personal ones."
"I know, and if that ever happens I'll deserve it."
"You'll more than deserve it."
We stare at each other and the threat hangs in the air.
But there's also acknowledgment underneath it.
He sees me, really sees me, and he's not dismissing what I bring.
"Everly choosing you means something," Diesel says. "She's smart and she's strong and she doesn't make choices lightly. So if she sees something in you worth fighting for, then maybe I'm wrong about you being too broken."
The words settle something in my chest.
"Thank you," I say.
"Don't thank me yet. I'm still watching you."
"I know."
He walks away and I stand there shaking.
That went better than I expected, but the weight of his warning is still heavy.
If I ever hurt Everly, Diesel will come for me.
And I'll let him.
Because if I ever become the thing I'm afraid of, I'll deserve whatever he does to me.
I go back inside and find Everly at the bar with Chloe.