This is a time I’ll forever cherish. Doll has gotten into a place no one has ever been before. I don’t know how to handle this. I don’t know what I’m feeling. Everything about her is suddenly important to me and not because Roundman ordered me to protect her. She’s everything because she’s Delilah. She’s the doll I treasure and value. A doll to protect and cherish.

After she finishes tracing the route we took on the new maps, we decide to sleep. After clearing off the bed, we both lay down. Rather than fight what I’m feeling, I pull her over to me. Wrapping her arm around my waist, pulling her leg over mine, and placing her head on my chest. Warmth, comfort, security, and acceptance all surround me as I fall into an easy sleep.

25

Never

Waking up in Tripp’s arms, rather than an empty bed, brings a smile to my face. It’s comfortable to be with him like this. I run my fingers over the chains of his tattoo. Tracing the rattle, Tripp grabs my hand to still me.

“What’s it mean?” I ask, leaning up to look in his eyes. He sighs before beginning.

“The chains of our pasts always hold us back until we die. The first place I was broken, was as a baby. My mom left me and never looked back.” He states as I trace lower to the pocket watch. “Hands of time. My grandparents were taken when I was much too young. We never know when our clock will stop.” He answers with sadness in his voice. My finger tingles as I trace lower.

“Someone broke your heart?” I ask as I reach the broken heart. He laughs under me. “No, Doll, I’ve never had my heart broken. But there is heartbreak in loneliness. And there are people who aren’t meant to have love like that.” He answers with a tone that is devoid of emotion.

“Have you ever been in love, Talon?” I ask, now curious about why he feels he’s not meant to have love.

“No, Doll, I’ve never experienced the feeling of being in love. I have love for my family and for my club. As for a woman, I don’t lead a lifestyle that is conducive to having love and a long lasting relationship.” He stiffens under me.

Sitting up in the bed to look at him, I reply. “Why do you feel you can’t be loved? Don’t give me that lifestyle bullshit because there are ol’ ladies that freely accept what their men do.”

“I never said I can’t be loved. I’ve never been in love. I won’t put a woman in the situation to face my lifestyle. It’s not fair to them to wonder where I’m at or whether I’ll make it home.”

“That’s a bunch of bullshit, Talon. This life isn’t an easy one. But damn it, when you find someone and it means something, you make it work. The good times outweigh the bad. Tomorrow isn’t promised for anyone. Why shut yourself off from happiness for a club?”