“I should have found a better way to tell you that.”
“It’s okay. I needed the truth.”
“You needed some nourishment, and it’s my fault you lost that.”
“Don’t blame yourself.” Turning around to face him, I asked, “So now I live the rest of my life in fear?”
He shook his head. “No. You don’t. First of all, you’re leaving Texas. Secondly, your father has the resources to protect you.” With a grimace, Rev added, “Although it’s a horrible prospect, Mendoza will most likely lose interest in you when he rebuilds his camp and another girl catches his eye.”
My hand flew to my mouth as I was sickened anew by the thought of another poor girl having to go through what I did. Leaning back against the sink, I shook my head miserably. “I don’t want to go back home.” When Rev started to protest, I held up a hand. “Just not yet. I don’t think I have the strength to face my parents right now.”
Rev didn’t respond. Instead, he began to pace around the room. Bishop appeared in the doorway. “You okay?” he asked.
I gave him a weak smile. “As good as I can be.”
Bishop nodded before turning his attention back to his brother. “What’s his deal?”
Rev abruptly stopped pacing. He turned around and looked at Bishop. “Change of plans. She comes to Georgia with us.”
Bishop’s eyes widened. “Excuse me?”
“You heard me.”
“Yes, but I’m not sure you’re hearing yourself. We had a plan, remember? We’ve played the hero card long enough. After tomorrow, she ain’t supposed to be our problem. She has a family to go home to, and it ain’t ours.”
Despite myself, I gasped at his harsh words while Rev growled and took a step towards Bishop. “You take that back.”
“Or what?”
In a flash, Rev had crossed the room and had Bishop pushed against the wall. “Just because we’re south of the border doesn’t mean I’m not still your president, little brother. I gave you an order.”
Bishop’s face flooded crimson with anger. With his nostrils flaring and chest heaving, he silently seethed for a few seconds. “Fine. I take it back,” he spat.
Gripping Bishop’s shirt tighter, Rev said, “Now tell Annabel you’re sorry that you were a selfish prick and you would be happy to have her visit us in Georgia.”
With his body coiled with rage, Bishop jerked his head to where he pinned me with a stare. “I’m sorry I was a selfish prick, and I would be happy to have you visit us in Georgia.”
Rev glanced over his shoulder at me. “Annabel, do you accept his apology or does Bishop need to grovel a little more?”
“I accept it,” I squeaked. My legs trembled, and I had to fight to keep myself from falling. It was alarming to witness the brothers at such odds, but it was even more shocking to see Rev, who I’d only known as so refined and reserved, lose his temper. Especially since it was about me.
Once Rev seemed satisfied with my answer, he released Bishop. He then took a few deep breaths as if to calm himself. “Annabel, will you leave us for a moment?”
“Yes,” I whispered before I brushed past Bishop.
As the door closed behind them, I heard Rev say, “I’m sorry I had to do that, brother.” Although part of me wanted to stand there and eavesdrop, I felt I owed Rev too much for that. Instead, I hurried back to bed and drew the covers over me.
While I didn’t want to be the thing that came between Rev and Bishop, I couldn’t help being grateful that Rev had taken up for me. I wanted to squeeze him tight to show how thankful I was to not be going home to Virginia. My parents were going to have a conniption fit, but they could get over themselves.
From here on out, I realized I could really only rely on myself. It was going to be all about me.
CHAPTER EIGHT: REV
After Annabel left and I apologized to Bishop, he and I silently stared each other down for a few minutes. I knew what I needed to say to him—what Ihadto say. But while the admission seemed to have flowed so effortlessly from my lips just hours earlier, I found myself tongue tied with a mouth full of sawdust.
After clearing my throat several times, I managed to croak, “You want the truth about what happened to me? The truth about what brought me out here?”
He shot me a surprised glance, and I knew that was the last thing he expected me to say. “Of course I do.”
