Page 94 of It Destroys Me
Once I told Astrid I loved her, I let Shayla go. She would always be special to me, but my heart needed to make room for the woman in my life now. The woman who would be my wife. Who would grow old with me. And perhaps be the mother of my children. “I’m okay.”
It was the first time I’d said those words…and actually meant them.
I sat in the Underground with the boys, drinking and smoking, ignoring the topless waitress who kept coming over to me even when I didn’t need another drink. It was a rowdy night because there wasn’t much happening on the streets. The guys were more careless with their booze.
Once the men started to file out, Octavio talked about business. “What do you want to do about Beau?”
“Nothing.”
“Nothing?” Both of his eyebrows rose.
“That’s your call, Octavio. Because I’m out.”
“What do you mean?” The eyebrows remained fixed in place.
“I said what I said. I’m done.”
“With Beau or?—”
“I’m done with everything. Become the new Skull King or appoint someone new. I officially resign.” I grabbed the diamond ring off my finger and placed it on the table between us. I’d had the position for years, longer than most of my predecessors, but it was time to move on.
“Theo, you’re the right guy for the job.”
“I know I am. But I have other priorities now.”
“You mean one priority.”
I cocked my head to the side. “I thought you would be happy, Octavio. Don’t act like the position doesn’t tempt you.”
“It does. But I can’t do it as well as you. Nor can anyone else.”
“Life goes on, man. You’ll figure it out.”
“Does this have to happen now? Maybe wait a year?—”
“No.” I finally had peace in my life, and I wouldn’t allow anything to disrupt it. “It’s done.”
Octavio stared for a couple seconds, but words weren’t forthcoming. He finally seemed to accept my decision. “I hope you find what you’re looking for.”
“I already have.”
“Fuck, this is nice.” Axel leaned back in his chair, his fingers stitched together behind his head. We sat in the quiet bar, most of the tables empty because it was late on a weeknight.
“We drink all the time.”
“We haven’t talked in five minutes.”
“You’re the talker, asshole.”
“But we haven’t talked about Bolton or Beau or whatever bullshit we used to talk about. It’s just fucking chill, man.”
Yes, it was chill. I’d resigned a week ago, and Astrid hadn’t seemed to notice I hadn’t gone to work. Maybe she thought I was just on vacation for a short while, even though vacation wasn’t in my vocabulary.
“Scarlett has been fucking me soooo good too. Almost dying really gets her going.”
“You didn’t almost die.”
“Well, I may exaggerate some details to her.” He winked.