Before I can answer, I’m lifted off my feet and pulled into a wide chest, big arms almost crushing me. “I’m going to hurt everyone who tries to hurt you. Don’t be afraid, little Mouse.”
“Can’t… breathe,” I press out, patting Mac on the chest.
“Sorry,” he apologizes, letting me down again. “But just so you know, I’m not afraid of the Jonesboys. I don’t work for them. I’m not depending on their money like some others are.” His eyes go to Tim and Tally. “So I’m not afraid to kick their asses if I have to. If they try to stir shit, you come to me, clear?”
“Crystal.” I smile up at him. “Thank you, Mac.”
SIX
It’s already late,and I’m wiping down the tables in preparation for closing the restaurant for the night. Saylor got pulled away again half an hour ago, and I’m dreading the night ahead. I’m still full of nerves about seeingthem, and I don’t think I will sleep a wink.
I don’t know if I can stay here if I’m alone half the time.
Tally is sitting behind the counter near the kitchen, counting the money in the register, and Tim’s leaning against it, talking to Mac, who’s cleaning up the kitchen. As I approach the final table, the door to the restaurant slams open, and I jump, letting go of the cloth, which lands on the table with a wet slap.
“Siren!” I turn to find Nash and North rushing inside, their expressions a mix of shock and regret. My pulse quickens, and my hands slightly tremble as I try to maintain my composure.
Fuck, I thought I had at leastsometime before I had to see them again.
They look like hot messes, with ruffled hair and tired eyes. North is a step behind his brother, and he looks twice as wrecked, his dark stubble now a beard, and the long part of his brown waves are mushed on his head like he has pushed his fingers through the strands nonstop.
A look into the bathroom mirror earlier told me I also have dark circles under my eyes, and my skin is too pale, so I know I look like shit. But I’m sickly satisfied at how they look like they had just as bad of days as I had.
Karma.
“We were on our way home when we saw your van out there,” Nash explains as they approach. “Are you okay?”
I hold up my hand, making them stop in their tracks. “Stay where you are.”
“Where the fuck were you? How can you be so reckless and unsafe?” North bellows, and I lean away from him.
What a fucking dick.
“Shut the fuck up, and don’t use that tone with her,” Nash turns and shouts at North, pushing his finger into his chest.
What is even happening?
North appears shocked, as if he just realized what he’d done. “Blue,” he pleads, his voice now soft. “I’m sorry. Just… hear us out, please?”
I don’t know what surprised me more, his sudden outburst or the gentle tone he’s using now. My chest tightens, and I take a shallow breath to steady myself.
Don’t let them see how much they hurt you, Sloan.
They didn’t want you, didn’t believe you.
They don’t respect you.
“We were so wrong, pretty girl,” Nash adds earnestly. “We shouldn’t have doubted you.”
I take a step back, my heart feeling like it’s lodged in my throat. I reach out for the cloth, needing something to hold on to, trying to keep it from slipping from my trembling fingers. “You had your chance to believe in me,” I retort, my tone icy, though it quivers ever so slightly.
Fuck.
I feel warmth at my back, then Tally asks, “You okay?”
I step next to her, nodding, even though I’m anything but. Having her beside me, making me feel like I’m not standing alone against the two of them, keeps me from spiraling. Instead of backing down, they take a step closer, closing the distance I just created. Their desperation is palpable.
Are Hunter and Lio still at the hospital?
