Renee had let Vengeance cool off, given him a couple days to calm down before she came to talk to him. But the time had come. She couldn’t allow them to just stay on silent terms again. She couldn’t stop communications with him over this misunderstanding.

Renee knocked on the door twice before she heard Constance calling out for her to enter. Once inside she headed toward the living room where she saw Constance sitting on the couch, her legs propped up, a book in her lap. She smiled at Renee and although she hadn’t asked where Vengeance was, Constance gestured out toward the back.

“He still licking his wounds?”

Constance rolled her eyes and gave one sharp nod. “He’ll get over it. It’s only been a couple days and you know how these guys are. His ego is bruised.”

Yeah, Renee knew how stubborn they were. She lifted her hand in a wave toward Constance and headed toward the back yard.

She pushed the door open and stepped out onto the deck and let the door close quietly behind her. Vengeance was sitting in a patio chair, his legs kicked up so they rested on the banister, the acres of property they owned spreading out before him. He had a beer in his hand and rested it on his knee.

He didn’t turn around, but the she didn’t doubt he knew she stood right behind him. After a few seconds, she moved closer and sat in the seat beside him. She stared out at the scenery, the land beautiful, the sun starting to set.

“You’re still upset?” she asked but didn’t look at him. She could see out of the corner of her eye that he brought his beer bottle up and took a long drink from it. Finally she did look at him.

“I’m fine,” he said without looking at her. She could see a muscle under his jaw ticking and couldn’t help the exasperated sigh that left her.

“You do know that you’re acting ridiculous, right?” He looked at her then, his eyes the same color as hers, his focus stern, almost a little bit disappointed. She hated that she hadn’t told him right away, but she was an adult, could make her own decisions, and he should respect that.

“Tell me how I’m supposed to act, Renee?”

She shrugged and looked out at the property again. “I don’t know, Vengeance, maybe happy for me?” She looked at him then. “I wanted to tell you sooner, planned on it too, but then things got in the way that stopped me. We didn’t go about this trying to hide it from you. It just kind of happened.”

He nodded once but his jaw was still tight. For long seconds neither said anything. She opened her mouth, about to say something, but he started speaking.

“You know the thing that I’m most upset about is the fact that you didn’t tell me right away, that you didn’t think I’d understand.”

She exhaled roughly and shook her head. “Vengeance, the way you reacted is exactly how I thought it would all go down. Can you blame me for being afraid to say anything? You attacked Weasel, the man I love. He didn’t force me to do anything. I’m a grown ass woman and I love him.”

Vengeance didn’t say anything for long moments, but neither did she. Finally, he exhaled and ran a hand through his hair. “I know.” He looked at her then. “I guess I am just used to taking care of you, and knowing that you’re making decisions on who you want to be with and what you are doing with your life is hard for me.”

She moved her chair closer to him. “I swear no one set out to betray you. Weasel and I just happened, but now that it has I am happy about it. I am excited for what the future holds.” Renee reached out and took his hand in hers. It was so much bigger than hers, scarred and calloused, with tattoos running along his golden flesh.

A light breeze picked up and she felt at home, like things would be okay if she gave it time.

“I still need you. I’ll always need you in my life.” She gave his hand a squeeze. “You’re my big brother, family, and nothing will ever change that.” She urged him to look her in the eyes and when he finally did, she smiled. “I need you to be happy for me. I need you to accept that although I made mistakes in the past with our relationship, that I still need your support.”

He gave her hand a squeeze in return. “You always have my support. It’s just hard to think that my baby sister is with a biker. A Soldiers of Wrath Patch no less.” He exhaled and shook his head, but there was a slight smile on his face. “I can’t promise that I’ll get over it instantly, but you have my support.” He let go of her hand and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her in closer. “If you’re happy, I’m happy for you.”

She rested her head on his chest and smiled, listening to the beat of his heart. This felt like back when they were younger, when she felt scared and alone and confused. He always gave her moral support, always gave her that shoulder to cry on.

“No more secrets, okay?”

She nodded. “Okay.” Renee felt lighter, more hopeful about the future.