Reed (Book 2, Southern Royals Saga)

Chapter 34: Family

January 7, 2015

Helena, Alabama

"I hope you know how many lives you saved last night, son."

Anthony poured himself a glass of scotch and sat in his chair.

I thread my fingers together, thinking of all that happened.

"It wasn't me," I met his odd gaze, "It was Liv, she pulled the trigger."

Anthony laughed, "Tough as nails, isn't she?"

I smile, "She really is. All she's endured... Instead of making her weak, it only made her strong."

"That girl was born strong," Anthony finished his glass, "She just never knew it until she felt she had nothing left to lose."

I agree, my thoughts wandering back to the strong and beautiful woman I got the pleasure to call mine.

She was asleep upstairs right now after hours of trying to get her to sleep.

We didn't get home until early this morning and showered until the sun rose.

I washed the blood from her face, finding a change within her; Liv's eyes, while exhausted, had a certain glint in them.

Resilience.

Pulling that trigger couldn't have been easy for her, but not having to look over our shoulders anymore?

That shit put us on cloud nine.

Slippery skin; eager fingers... We brought each other to the brink only to fall back into it again. Once the water grew to a freezing temperature, we took it to the bed.

We couldn't get enough.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

I'm pulled from my thoughts of Liv's supple tits, and how sweet her pussy tasted, by my uncle.

Who had a knowing smirk on his lips.

I shake my head, "Nothing. I'm glad it's all over with."

Anthony nodded, "I tracked Aaron Wheeler and his pal Everett all the way to the border a few nights ago."

"You kill them?"

Anthony was silent, pouring himself another glass.

Good.

"And what about the good ole' Sheriff?"

"Don't worry about him, son. He'll be at the bottom of Lake Harding soon enough."

It's really over.

I reach behind me and pull my Colt out, remembering why I came to talk to my uncle. I ran my fingers over the cold metal, seeing my reflection stare back at me.

I look at my uncle staring at me warily.

"When you gave me this, you told me my whole life was about to change. I was fifteen years old," I walk over and stand in front of his desk, "You told me I had to protect my family... That it's what Dad would want."

I hand him the Colt, "I'm done." I force the gun into his hand, noting his down expression, while feeling like I was giving up an organ.

"I can't take this," Anthony argued, "It was Ben's, he wanted you to have it."

"I don't need it. The business... I'm out of it. I think that's what Dad would want."

For once, my uncle was left speechless; he stared down at the silver metal, running his thumb over the inscribed name. Amanda.