The gate clanged shut behind Marco and the Reapers, but the tension in the compound didn’t leave with them. The club brothers slapped backs and cracked open beers like they’d won a war. Viper gave me a rare nod of respect before heading inside. Rogue clapped Colossus on the shoulder hard enough to make a normal man stumble — but the giant barely shifted.
I stayed quiet, the new vest suddenly heavy on my shoulders.
Colossus walked me straight back to the garage without a word. The afternoon sun slanted through the open bay doors, turning the air thick and golden. Tools hung on the walls like silent witnesses. It was just us again — the way I was starting to crave.
He closed the big rolling door halfway, cutting off the outside noise. “You didn’t have to face him,” he said, voice low. “Co
