The air rushes from my lungs, and I snatch my fists from the frigid water, balling them. “What the fuck?”
I try to understand what’s happening. Are they going to interview Erin about the assault charge? It would be perfect timing to throw me off for tomorrow. But if that’s the case, why would my brothers make me watch it when I might otherwise have been able to remain oblivious until after the fight?
“Just wait,” Gabe says.
The presenter finishes introducing her and gives the back story of her accusations, then finally invites her to speak.
I tear my gaze from the screen. “I don’t want to hear this.” I search desperately for the remote, but someone has hidden it. “Seriously, guys. Change the channel.”
“Just watch,” Seth grunts, and I do. Because when Seth speaks, we all listen.
What comes next shocks the hell out of me. Erin tells the truth. With tearful eyes, she admits to having lied about me hitting her. Then she apologizes. She fucking apologizes to me on live TV. What on earth is going on?
I watch, rapt, as she goes on to explain that the creep who assaulted her was actually Will Jones, but she’d hoped she’d be able to use the situation to manipulate me into taking her back.
I can’t believe this is happening.
She’s humiliating herself in front of the nation, and in doing so, saving my ass. But Erin doesn’t do anything selflessly, so what is she up to?
“Why?” My voice is husky, but fortunately my brothers seem to understand.
“This is all Lena,” Devon explains, and holds up a hand to silence anything I’m about to say. “I know you don’t want to talk about her, but she made us promise you’d watch it so your mind would be clear for the fight tomorrow.”
“She…” I’m struggling to wrap my head around this. “She did? But how’d she get Erin to back down?”
I’m the luckiest bastard in the world. I pushed an amazing woman away and she still saved my sorry self. Jesus, I hope I haven’t ruined my chance with her permanently.
Is two weeks too soon to be in love?
Fuck no. I’m crazy about her, and she must feel the same way, right? Why else would she do all she has to fix my screwed-up life?
Devon shrugs. “No idea, and we asked. She didn’t want to say.”
A reluctant smile tugs Gabe’s lips. “She’s as stubborn as you.”
My phone rings, and I rush to answer it, praying it’s Lena. Caller ID shows it’s only Nick, and disappointment floods me. I should’ve known it wouldn’t be her.
“What’s up?” I ask.
“Great news, buddy. I just got off the phone with your lawyer, and the charges against you have been dropped.”
Gratitude overwhelms me.Lena. She’s responsible for this. If I live to be a hundred, I’ll never be able to thank her enough. “That’s amazing, thanks.”
“No problem.” He pauses, then adds, “Rest up tonight. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Ending the call, I scan the faces around me. “The charges have been dropped.”
“Yes!” Devon fist-pumps.
Gabe’s rare smile widens.
Seth just watches me with steady green eyes. “She’s a fine woman. You’d better hold onto her.”
I nod to my mentor. “I plan to.”
* * *
Lena
