“What did it say?”
“YOU TOOK SOMETHING FROM ME, SO I WILL TAKE SOMETHING FROM YOU.”
My heart stops. “What?”
“You heard me. I think we both know what he means.”
Brooke.
“If he comes anywhere near her, I’ll put him down like a rabid fucking dog. I swear to Christ.” I seethe.
“Calm down. He’s only going after her because he knows she means something to you.”
“Stay on him. I want to know every fucking move he makes.” I grit out.
“If I’m on him then you’ll be unprotected.”
“I don’t give a fuck! Stay on him!” Ending the call, I throw my phone on the couch, collapsing next to it.
Fuck!
Fisting my hair, I’m instantly spiraling into a black hole.
I have to protect her at all costs. She’s in thisshit because of me. She’s become a target because ofmyenemy.
I can’t lose her.
I refuse to fucking lose her.
Eric’s words run through my mind.“He’s only going after her because he knows she means something to you.”
My body stills as the idea makes my stomach churn. My head and heart go to war, the outcome a brutal blow that steals my breath.
It could work.
A temporary solution with permanent repercussions if she doesn’t forgive me for keeping her in the dark. Her reaction needs to be genuine. We’re being watched.
She’ll forgive me. We haven’t approached the subject, but I know she loves me.
She has to know how much I love her.
This is the only option until he’s dealt with.
Dread seeps into my bones, my chest twisting with pain I’ve never felt before.
It may be temporary, but it feels wrong.
So fucking wrong.
Chapter Eleven
Brooke
A knock at the door pulls me from the mirror.
Gabe and I are having dinner here tonight. I spent all afternoon cooking, and I’ve just finished getting ready.
After checking the peep hole, I open the door. There’s no trace of his usual happy demeanor as he walks through the threshold and stands awkwardly to the side. After closing the door, I spin around, trying to read him for any clues as to what’s bothering him.
