God knows I deserve it.
Except it’s almost worse than that.
Because her hand remains limp in mine.
I hate you.
Fuck, what am I doing?
I start to draw away when?—
Her fingers tighten on mine. “For the wedding ceremony?”
I nod.
“That’s why you walked away?”
It’s why I gave them what they wanted—a house in France, another in Germany, the rights to several patents.
And it’s why I left Briar.
Because I knew that if I stayed, if there was any hint of connection, or me watching out for her, or contact, she would be right back at risk again.
I couldn’t let that happen.
So I left it to Jace.
And he…I want to be pissed at him because he clearly didn’t make sure she was good.
But I get why he left her alone, why she said she needed it.
So, while the anger is there, I know Jace’s regret and guilt is burning almost as brightly as what I’m feeling.
Well, maybe notalmost.
“Brooks,” she says softly.
“Yes,” I rasp. “It’s why I left you.”
Her fingers tighten almost painfully around mine.
Then she slips her hand free.
My heart twists.
But when she picks up the mug, takes a sip, something settles in me.
It’s like for the first time in five years, I can finally breathe.
SIXTEEN
BRIAR
My head is spinning,my heart breaking with what he’s shared.
Photos.
Letters.
