Her eyes go a bit wider. “What’s going on? Don’t tell me Emil had someone else on his side. Or Cameron.”
“No, no, no.” I glide my thumb over her face as I cup it. “Everything is fine as far as I know, but I’m not sure it’ll stay that way for long.”
“What are you saying?”
“We need to get out of here. What Julius did was reckless, and he’s prepared to handle the consequences, but he doesn’t want us here when it happens.”
She sits up in the bed, backing up until her back is resting on the headboard. “We can’t just leave him, Lucas.”
I nod. “I know. But he won’t be alone.”
“What do you mean he won’t be alone? Because of Cat? She is like a scared little mouse, and all of those people who will be coming for her are falcons.”
I laugh at her metaphor. “Not just Cat. He has Ilya on his side.”
“Who is that?”
“Someone I hope to never meet on a bad day. Imagine me, Julius, Teddy, and Carl combined, then multiply it by five. He’s not someone to be fucked with. Julius will be fine.”
She chews her bottom lip and stares into the distance, almost like she’s contemplating on really staying or going.
“Hey.” I pull her face back to mine. “Out of everyone, you should know I wouldn’t be the one to leave him if I was worried. He will be okay, and we can always come back after Hale is born and make sure shit is good. I just don’t want any more stress on you than there already is.”
Her eyes bounce between mine. “You have to promise me if he needs you, you’ll leave me. I refuse to lose anyone else.”
I give her another nod because I don’t want to lose anyone either. When it comes to Julius, he’s been my constant. Yes, he’s my twin, but it’s more than that. He’s the first person I loved and the first person to show me love. He’s always had my back and taken care of me when I can’t take care of myself. That’s not something you can forget overnight.
“I promise.”
A soft smile pulls at her lips. “I know I should be happy. You know, to finally get away. This is all my dad ever wanted from me, and it’s all I ever wanted, but now that it’s here it hurts. This is all I know.”
I kiss her temple and pull her into my chest. “I know, but you’ll have me.” I move my hand to her tiny stomach. “And Hale.”
I can feel her body relax as she sags into me, and I swear it’s probably the best feeling in the world.
“So, I guess this is it?” I drag my eyes to Julius as he stands in front of me.
He shakes his head with a smile. “This isn’t it, Charlie. You guys will still be around.”
I push myself further up on the bed, then twirl my thumbs in my lap. I’ve been on bed rest for days, but Dr. Davis finally came by and gave us the okay to travel. I wasn’t expecting things to happen so fast, but nothing since I’ve been with the Hales has been slow. We’re always going, always fighting, always doing something.
“What’s going to happen to the club?” I ask. The Red Eye is the only thing left that any of us have. It’s the only thing left from Teddy.
“I’m going to handle it. The house too.”
I nod and look around the room. So much shit has happened in here, and I’m glad I’ll still be able to visit, to be close to the good memories and even the bad. They’re what helped me become who I am and will be a good reminder not to take anyone’s shit.
“I don’t want to leave you,” I admit, doing my best to hold back my tears.
These men have become my family, and I love them. The thought of leaving Julius and Carl behind makes me feel… sad. I know it’s for the best, but it doesn’t make it easier. With my dad gone, they’re all I have.
Julius sits on the edge of the bed and pulls me into a hug. “I’ll come see you, and you’ll come see me. Soon enough you’ll have Hale, and I won’t be so nice, remember? It’s probably best you leave now.” He smiles.
I jab my finger into his ribs and laugh as he buckles over. “You know you just want me gone so I don’t beat your ass.”
“Whatever you have to tell yourself.” He grins, straightening himself so he can squeeze me.
He stands, then leaves the room as Carl enters. I thought the sight of telling Julius goodbye was hard, but seeing Carl’s eyes shine with sadness and a touch of relief fucking kills me.
“Don’t look at me like that,” I state with a frown.
He shakes his head and looks the other way before turning back and closing the gap between us. “Take care of my boy, you hear me?”
I smile. “You know I will.”
He nods and leans down to kiss the top of my head. “I’m proud of you, Charlotte. And even though you may be away, I’ll always see you as our queen. You brought things into this family I didn’t think we needed. You’ve changed all of us in ways I never imagined, and I’m grateful.”
“You all changed me too.” I grip his waist and hug his center as he hovers above me. “I need you to take care of Julius, okay?”
His hands go to my back, rubbing soothing strokes up and down. “I will. And I better be the first phone call you make at the first sign of Hale making their appearance.”
I chuckle and squeeze him harder. “I love you, Carl.”
“And I love you, Charlotte. Keep your head on and remember who you are.”
Before I can reply, the door opens and Lucas walks in. He’s freshly showered and
