“If you ever feel that way, then talk to her. From what I’ve seen, in so many of the cases I handled, communication, or lack of it, was the cause of so much misery. Not talking about things or having a partner you’re not comfortable sharing your feelings with and then letting it fester into resentment and hatred causes more damage than anything.”

“That makes sense.”

“And don’t take this the wrong way—”

“Here we go again.”

She laughs and continues. “Strong men like you—and I don’t just mean physically strong. Strong mind and character—have a hard time admitting they even have feelings sometimes. It’s okay to be vulnerable with the right person.”

“What makes them the right person?”

“That you trust them not to use your fears against you.”

What are my biggest fears? Lilly leaving again. Not being a good enough father. Making the wrong decisions for the club.

Lilly’s reassured me in all three areas lately.

“Besides, you’re settling down later in life—”

“Thanks, Hope. Appreciate the reminder.”

“I don’t mean it in a bad way.” She points to herself. “As the oldest “new mom” at the play groups, I feel I can speak with authority here.”

“But I bet you’re the prettiest one too.”

“Aw, Z, you’re so sweet. Seriously though, you’ve done a lot of living. You already know what’s out there. I mean, you must have volumes upon volumes of experience—”

When someone you actually like and respect puts your life in perspective, it’s a lot less entertaining. “All right. I get your point.”

She grins at me. “You don’t have to worry whether you’re ‘missing out’ on something. I don’t think you’ll be bored. Or if you are, you’ll be grateful for it because you know what really matters.” She reaches up and taps my chest over my heart.

“We should have you teach a class for prospects, ‘there’s more to life than fresh pussy’ or something.”

She rolls her eyes. “Don’t deflect because I touched on a vulnerable area, Z. It’s beneath you.”

“Actually, I think it’s exactly my thing.”

Another eyeroll. Shit, growing up would’ve been a lot more entertaining if I’d had a sister instead of the two dumbfuck siblings I ended up with.

“So, you still have no regrets about this?” I nod at the front door to Crystal Ball. “The club, everything?”

“Zero regret, Z. Absolutely.”

“Rock doesn’t drive you crazy with all his overprotectiveness? I’m kinda shocked he let you drive here on your own today.”

She snorts and doesn’t disagree. “Oh, he makes me nuts. But I love him and I know it comes from a good place.”

“It does,” I agree.

“I think you were the first person to point that out to me. Wrath might have tried, but—”

“His message is a little harsher?”