Page 76 of Wicked Rush

Made love.Braelynn’s heart contracted at his words. “It was special. You trusted me to go there and I trusted you. You know what we did…”

“I don’t even know what to think. I’m just frustrated as hell over this whole situation. You have to see this from my perspective.”

“I do. And I’m sorry.” Braelynn knew that in the heat of the moment, her words brought him little comfort. Lars needed time to process everything she’d disclosed.

“We’ve got to eat before breakfast gets cold,” he replied, not acknowledging her apology.

“Lars…I didn’t want to lie to you. I would never hurt you. The club…everything. This whole weekend…”

“Seth will be in with the steaks soon. I’m going to text Garrett. Don’t leave the property.”

“What?” Her voice trembled.

Lars served the quiche onto large plates, focusing on his task. She wiped a tear from the corner of her eye, attempting to choke down the sob that rushed to her throat.

“I said, don’t leave,” he repeated.

“Why would I leave?” she asked, shocked he’d think she’d try to go anywhere.

“Because you’ve been telling me since the day I met you that you’re leaving San Diego. And I got news for you, sweetheart, this isn't San Diego. You’re in the thick of Big Sur. Strong winds and stronger currents. There is only one way down to the ocean and you won’t survive. The terrain is rough. We’ve got mountain lions, dangerous roads and cell service won’t work. Garrett will be here by the afternoon and he can copter you back to an airport where you can catch whatever flight you want to whatever shitty country you’re planning on going to.”

“I can’t believe you are even saying this.” Braelynn pressed her face into her palms, looking up as Seth entered.

“Steaks are ready.”

“I’m not hungry,” she said and stood up, pushing away from the table.

Lars sighed, and set a plate in front of her. “You need to eat something.”

“Gotta agree with the boss here. You didn’t eat anything but breakfast yesterday. Eat.” Seth poked a fork into a steak and placed it on her dish.

Braelynn shook her head, and sucked a breath. Wiping another stray tear, she sniffed, aware she was seconds from losing it.

“I’m taking mine in the office. I need to get started on this right away,” he told Seth. Walking out of the kitchen, he paused and turned to her. “Look Brae. I’m just…I don’t know. Part of me, I get why you did what you did. I know about clearances, but you could have trusted me. You need to give me time, okay?”

Braelynn grabbed her fork, and nodded.

“He’s right, you know. All of this today, some of it he suspected. But the rest? Not so much. Just give him some time,” Seth told her once Lars had gone.

“But the thing is…we’re out of time.” Braelynn sat and slid her fork into the quiche. As she held it to her lips, regret washed over her. Lars had always been larger than life and today was no different. Scaling Everest. Skydiving. Mindblowing sex. Cooking. She wondered what the man couldn’t do. Relationships. Love.

“He understands you had no choice. He’s just pissed. Lars knows all about government secrets. Hell, we all do. It’s our business.” Seth shrugged. “It’s not like it’s the first or last secret Garrett will have. Same with Lars. He’s just frustrated that two of the closest people to him didn’t tell him what was happening.”

“He’s not going to forgive me.” As she bit into the flaky mixture, she resisted releasing an audible moan.

“Yeah, he will. He’s got it bad for you. You know that.” Seth laughed and stabbed a piece of steak, pointing it at her before popping it into his mouth. “Lars Elliott. You know he could have anyone. No offense, but he’s had a million girls. And this is the first time in a long time I’ve seen someone get him tied up. He could have easily shaken you off, but he didn’t. The three of us, though? We’ll get through this. I promise we’ll keep you safe. But Brae, you’ve got to give him a little space.”

Braelynn sighed, contemplating Seth’s words. She’d give anything to have Lars’ forgiveness. Her mind warred, telling her it would be easier to leave if he was angry. Yet as she tasted another perfect piece of her meal, she was reminded of everything she loved about him. Her stomach clenched in a knot; she was devastated that she’d disappointed him. Braelynn set down her utensils, and gave Seth a sad smile.

“It’s going to be okay,” she heard him say, but she’d already left the kitchen and walked into the solarium. The view of the ocean was the only drug she sought. No one would ever replace Lars. Her heart broke into a million pieces, knowing that within hours, she’d never see the man she was falling in love with again, he’d be forever gone to her. As sure as the waves crashed into the rocks, her life would never be the same.