Total pages in book: 179
Estimated words: 173733 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 869(@200wpm)___ 695(@250wpm)___ 579(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 173733 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 869(@200wpm)___ 695(@250wpm)___ 579(@300wpm)
“I know that we’re broken,” he says, using the same words Reese and I have today, as well, only with Reese and I it’s not true. With Reid and I, it is.
“That’s an understatement, don’t you think?”
“Yes, and I had reasons for everything I did, namely to protect you.”
“Rejecting my goals and dreams was protecting me?” I challenge.
He looks skyward before casting me in a turbulent stare. “Right now, you have a big problem I can help you fix so I am not going to make this about me. It’s about you and Reese but that said, I read mom’s letter she left you when she died, and Reese is not dad.”
“The letter where mom told me to chase my own dreams and to never be with a man who cheated like our father did on her. And?”
“I didn’t know dad cheated on her like that. I thought—fuck, Cat—I thought she was the one thing that kept him human. If I’d known, I’d have done something. Just like if I thought Reese was cheating, I’d drag you out of here, but he’s not. Let me help. I’m good at ending bad situations. I’ll represent you both if you’ll let me. And I’ll protect you both.”
I swallow hard. “I hate this,” I whisper.
“Of course you do, but you’re strong—proven by the fact that you keep all the Maxwell’s in line—and anyone who does something like this is weak. You called me, Cat. I’m here. Let me really be here.”
“I didn’t want you to get sideswiped if she went public.”
He arches a brow. “You didn’t want my help or support?”
“You aren’t really one to dish those things out.”
“I am always here for you, Cat. The fact that you don’t know that needs to change, but right now, let’s go talk to Reese and Gabe and end this woman.”
“I’d agree about ending her but what kind of person does this? She must be mentally ill.”
“Or just greedy, Cat. I see it all the time in ways that I’m glad you’re naive too. Thank you, mom, for urging you to chase your dreams, because I wanted you to come inside our world where you wouldn’t be naïve to this kind of stuff.”
“Or you’re just so jaded that all you see is greed.”
“I wish that were true. I wish what I’ve seen could be undone, but it can’t.” He motions to the door. “Shall we?”
“Yes,” I breathe out. “We shall.”
I round the island and he catches my arm, turning me to look at him. “Why do you look different?”
My God. My brother is going to guess. “Because you’re actually looking at me.”
“I always actually look at you. More than you know. What’s different?”
“I’m not myself right now. I’m rattled when contrary to what you seem to believe, I’m a Maxwell by blood. I don’t get rattled.”
“He didn’t cheat, Cat. I’ve looked in that man’s eyes for years now, and all I see is intelligence, skill, and a man who loves his wife. I watch for changes. They aren’t there. I’d tell you. As painful as it would be after reading that letter from mom, I’d tell you.”
“I know he didn’t cheat. I never once doubted him. I just hate that he’s distracted during his trial and that he thinks I might doubt him. That hurts our relationship, too. I don’t want what is perfect to get hurt.”
“We are perfect, Cat.”
At the sound of Reese’s voice, Reid releases me and I turn to find my husband in the doorway. “You’re perfect,” he adds when my eyes meet his.
I rush toward him and he pulls me against him, hugging me, becoming my sanctuary as always. I love this man so very much. “You okay?” he whispers, his lips at my ear.
“Yes,” I say, looking at him. “Reid wants to represent you and us if we need it.”
“You do need it,” Reid says firmly.
“Agreed,” Reese replies.
Gabe steps into the doorway. “I guess we’re back in here.”
“Yes,” I say, pushing out of Reese’s arms. “We’re here.”
Gabe grabs me and hugs me. “We’ll beat this together,” he promises in my ear.
“Thank you,” I whisper, so very confused by both of my brothers right now, but not in a bad way. In a bit of a sad way. There have been so many lost years between me and them with a lot of built up baggage from that divide.
He releases me and Reese links our arms, leading me around the island again. Reid steps to the spot in front of me again, and Gabe steps in front of Reese. “We should file a restraining order,” Reid states.
“Not yet,” Reese says. “We’re going to try to trap her into blackmailing me on tape.” He goes on to explain the plan Royce and Lauren came up with earlier.
“A restraining order could keep her from going public,” Gabe interjects. “I’ve seen an order intimidate people.”