“I don’t know about that,” I hedged. My brothers were the ones who’d really suffered, not me. I was just here for the aftermath. “I just know he was protecting his brother, Holden. His little brother. Someone like me.”
Holden looked pained. “I hear you.”
“I’d do it again, too.”
Flynn’s voice startled us. We turned toward him.
“You want honesty, and that’s fair,” he said gruffly. “I’ve spent years thinking about what I did. Why I did it. What it cost me. And I always come to the same conclusion. I’d do anything, pay any price, to keep my little brother safe. I’m just sorry I waited too long, that I didn’t get him out of there sooner. I didn’t know how bad it had gotten without Mom there too.”
“Where was your mom?” Gray asked from behind him.
Flynn came farther into the room, and Gray, Dalton, and Axel followed. I went to him, tucking in against his ribs,wrapping an arm around his back, and hopefully lending him some comfort. He wasn’t alone. I would always be on his side.
“She got a new husband,” Flynn said. “Took off. I was already out of the house. Left young because I only seemed to enrage my stepfather more. I thought leaving would make it better.”
“But it didn’t,” Holden said quietly. “Because the man was an abuser.”
“No, it didn’t.” Flynn held me a little tighter. “I know I’m probably not what you want for Bailey. I’ve got baggage, and I can’t promise I won’t ever let it weigh on him.”
“I want you to lean on me,” I said. “Give me your fucking baggage. I’ll carry it for you.”
Flynn looked down at me, his small smile sad. “It doesn’t work that way. I wouldn’t want it to anyway, baby. You deserve better.”
“No,” I shot back, a flush of anger heating me from the inside. “You deserve better.You, Flynn.”
He shook his head. “I own my mistakes.” He met Holden’s eye, Gray’s, and then Axel’s. “I should have trusted you all sooner. I tried to tell you a couple of times, but I let my fears get the best of me. I’m real sorry about that. You’ve been nothing but good to me. And I can’t lie to any of you. I am full of regret that I took a life, but if Aiden was in danger—or Bailey—I’d do it again without blinking. Hell, I came very close to taking out Snake tonight.”
“Because he knew your secret?” Axel asked, voice tense.
“No, because he suggested Bailey would leave you all and run away with me if I fucked you over.” His eyes blazed, and I could see just how intimidating Flynn could be. “I’d never come between you all. That would break me. Because your family is fucking inspiring. Your loyalty and trust and love is something really special. I’d never rob Bailey of that. If you couldn’t accept me…and he had to choose…”
My chest tightened. Talk about my worst fear, spoken aloud. I sent a desperate look toward my brothers. Holden was intensely focused on Flynn. Axel was watching Dalton, gauging his reactions.
Gray saw me, though. His expression softened.
“You’re not coming between us,” he said. “We’d never let that happen. Right, guys?”
“We’d never make Bailey choose,” Holden said. “Besides, how can I judge you for something I’d do?”
Flynn’s brow creased. “What do you mean?”
“I’d do anything to protect my brothers. Any one of us would.”
Gray and Axel made noises of agreement. We’d all been through some shit with our foster dad after he spiraled into alcoholism. He’d hit Axel once—after Gray split and Holden was in college. When Holden got home and found out, he’d threatened to end him if it ever happened again. My big brother wasn’t just speaking empty words. Hegotit.
“I know abuse,” Holden continued. “I know trauma. You did the best you could in a terrible situation, Flynn. I believe that.”
Shiloh crossed the room to stand near him, and Holden cast him a grateful look. Between them, their pinkies brushed, but nothing more. Holden was too stressed right now, but later, when he needed it, Shiloh would be there to touch. I’d seen my brother evolve from completely averse to seeking out hugs and kisses.
“I’m sorry you had to go through any of that,” Flynn said.
“I’m sorry you did too,” Holden replied, voice full of sincerity.
Dalton cleared his throat. “I need to go file this report.” He paused to kiss Axel, giving his hair a gentle tug. “Go easy on him, darlin’. He’s a little feral, like you, just in a different way. Like one of those skittish animals of yours.”
Axel rolled his eyes, but a small smile tugged at his lips. “Go do your work. Don’t stay out all night, though.”
“I’ll try to move the wheels of justice a little faster just for you.” He paused to clap Flynn on the shoulder. “Thanks for your statement. I’ll let you know if we need anything more. I checked his record. Now that Snake violated parole, he should go straight back to prison for another five years before he has any hope of early release. You all don’t have to worry about him anymore.”
