Vicious Chapter 22

Here I was, about to do two of the things I detested—being the center of attention and sharing my feelings and past. I hadn't done it even with most of the club, but if this had any chance of becoming my family, they deserved to know what Micaela truly meant to me and what she'd already done. I cleared my throat and then took a step away from our woman.

"You've only met me briefly when you were in Tenillo for the wedding. There's a lot you don't know, and I can understand that worries you. It's scary, and you're worried for her. What Dragon just said is true for me as well, and I know Ashes will claim the same. Micaela wasn't anything we hoped for. She's too amazing to have dreamed we'd end up with someone like her. She's smart, feisty, loving, stubborn, beautiful, and a whole lot more. She stole my heart, made me believe in love, and opened myself up to another when I thought that part of me was dead.

"Deep down, I've always wanted a wife and kids, but I didn't think it would happen. I was too broken to allow someone close to me, even if I was lucky enough to find them. When I first saw her, my heart jumped. She began the healing process with her first sentence. The more I was around her, the more I craved to be with her all the time.

"I'm not a man who ever thought he'd be able to share much of anything with others. When she ended up caring for me and both of my best friends, I could've given her an ultimatum, but it would've only torn out my heart. I found if it was them, then I was willing to try it. It takes some adjusting, I won't lie, but it's gone way easier than I imagined. There's no jealousy and fighting each other for her attention or love. She has more than enough love to give us with more left over.

"When I say I'm broken, it's something I have to see a therapist for at the VA. He has been helping me to see that things aren't my fault." I saw Daredevil squirm and then give me a searching look. I directed the next bit directly to him.

"I've done things when I was in the military that I wish I hadn't had to do, but it was in defense of my country and fellow soldiers. The same can be said of protecting my club. Those rarely cause me grief. No, what haunts me and causes me to have flashbacks is the mental and physical abuse I endured growing up. I had the stepmother from hell, and until I grew too old for her to handle, she abused me every chance she got. Oh, everyone thought she was loving and wonderful, even my dad. He believed her over me. It made me seal off parts of myself from others. Micaela calmed those memories and tore down the wall I kept around my heart. I love her, and she will be our wife if only in our hearts, no matter what."

With this out there, I shut up and waited to see if anyone had anything to say. Daredevil stood up and came toward me. I was ready if he took a swing at me. We'd already had one short brawl. There was no Sin here to stop this one.

"Brother, I'm sorry. I had no idea about this until that day in church. We all have things we did or saw when serving that prey on our minds. The fact your childhood sounds like it was hell makes me sick. I'm glad my sister helped to heal that." He sounded sincere, so I gave him a short nod.

"Thank you. Ashes, do you have anything you want to say? I think Micaela is about to drop. We've worked all day after flying in, and she's starved. We were about to go out and eat when you arrived," I told them. Ashes moved away from Micaela. Dragon remained holding her in his arms.

"I do. My brothers pretty much expressed how I feel about Micaela. I love her. I will protect and worship her for the rest of our lives. And like them, I want her to be my wife, even if it's not on paper. I can't wait to have children with her, too. There's nothing I wouldn't do to keep her safe and feel loved. Anyone hurting her better hide. Daredevil, your story explains a lot, but it doesn't make it automatically excusable in my book. The things you said and how you treated her wounded her deeply. I can't say all is forgiven. However, if you were to make amends going forward and prove yourself, I could. All we want to do is get her packed and moved to Tenillo so we can really start our lives together."

"I appreciate you all telling us how you feel about my daughter. I think this is enough sharing for the day. We'll leave you to do what you must. Micaela, I can tell you we have news. Your mamá and I already have an offer for the house. If all goes as planned, we'll be able to move to Texas in a couple of months."

I glanced at her to see surprise and maybe slight hope there. "Wow, that was fast. What about the construction company? Are the boys staying here and running it for you? Or will you sell it?"

"There's so many things we've talked about. After several conversations, we decided they would continue to oversee the construction company, but I wouldn't be totally out of it. I'm not ready to retire, and the challenge of a new place made me want to establish a second branch of the company. There's plenty of need in Tenillo and the surrounding areas. I've done the research. They can handle a new construction company."

She gasped, then smiled. "That's wonderful. I have no doubt you'll do fine. It might take some time to find the right crews. I know we had to go with their second choice since the one the club usually uses couldn't fit us in for months."

"I'm up for the challenge, and your mamá will help me, as she always has. I'm sorry we hurt you with our behavior and what we said. We didn't listen. I hope with time, you'll forgive us and allow us to be a part of your lives. I know it'll take time and effort, but we want to repair what we damaged."

Tears were back in her eyes. She sniffed and nodded. Evita broke out crying again, and then she was over to us with her arms open. Mother and daughter hugged and cried on each other's shoulders. They clung together for a long time before they got themselves under control. When they finally parted, her other brothers moved forward. There were more words along the same line of working to be forgiven and such. Eventually, we all ran out of words. When that happened, Sal and Daredevil got the others headed for the door. As they left, Daredevil turned back.

"I'll see you back in Texas. I will make this right," he uttered, then shut the door. As soon as they were gone, Micaela sagged in Dragon's arms. She was wiped. After a brief debate, we decided it was best to go to the hotel and bring in food to eat. None of us were up for being in public at the moment. Bundling her up, we got her outside and found her car. Dragon drove her in it while Ashes and I drove the rental truck. As we drove, I prayed this had been the true start to her family accepting her choices. Time will tell.