“You suffered in silence.”

He nodded sadly. “Yeah, I did. For them, because they are my world, but I fucking feel so alone sometimes.”

“You aren’t alone. I’m here. Your kids are here for you. Your team is here. You have this large support group. Lean on us when you need to. Even Axel.”

He snorted at the mention of Axel. “I appreciate that. Not going to lean on the kids. They have their own issues to deal with.”

“You and I know all about mommy issues. But I am truly here for you.”

“Don’t take this the wrong way, but it’s not the same. I spent my adult life trying to please this woman, giving her everything she ever wanted, and making sure she was happy, only to find out it was all a bad novel. God, I never thought it would hurt this badly. I feel like a piece of me has been torn off, and now there’s this huge, gaping hole left in my heart. It’s not that I loved her anymore, but that I finally have to give up this fantasy family, which only existed in my own mind.”

“I’m so sorry.” I didn’t know what to say to make him feel better. I wasn’t good at shit like this. I was more a person who bullied my way through adversity and didn’t get emotional about it, at least, not on the surface. I decided to ask him. “What can I do to make you feel better? Anything I can do to make your life better, just ask.”

He met my gaze with a determined one of his own, which was encouraging. “There is one thing you can do.”

I squirmed at his response. Something about it was ominous. “Anything,” I said, fearing I might regret those seemingly innocent words.

“Stay away from Axel. I can’t even stand the sight of the guy. The entire team knows they spent the night together. It’s humiliating, like they’re all thinking I couldn’t keep my wife happy at home. It’s bad enough I’m forced to interact with him. The last thing I want to see is you having any kind of relationship with him. He’s a player with very few morals and fewer scruples.”

“First of all, dear brother, I’ve been around the block a few times. You forget my last boyfriend was in the Sacred Hearts.”

“He was a wannabe.”

“An associate member,” I corrected him. “Regardless, he was way more badass than Axel would ever hope to be. In fact, I’m more badass than Axel will ever be.”

That made Jock smile. “You are at that. Then don’t avoid him for your sake but for mine. Regardless of whether or not he slept with Bria one night or a dozen, every time I see him, the pain comes flooding back, and seeing him with you would be intolerable. Please, do this for me.”

“I haven’t had, and I will not have, a relationship with Axel.”

“Thank you.” Relief shone in his eyes and his grateful smile was genuine.