Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 80821 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 404(@200wpm)___ 323(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80821 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 404(@200wpm)___ 323(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
“Why didn’t you ever love us?” I ask softly. “Did you love Mom? I used to think you did, that she was the only person you ever loved, but I don’t think you’re capable of loving anyone but yourself.” That’s the truth of some people, isn’t it? Some people are narcissistic and selfish and only care about image and what they can get from others. Some people are cruel and hateful because that’s just who they are. “She was for you what I used to be. Someone who let you rule their world, while at the same time making you look like the loving husband, the proud father. We were nothing but your props.”
And while that makes me sad for us, for me, Morgan, East, and Ella, it breaks my heart for Mom too. She was alone in the world and had wanted love, a family, and he had preyed on that. While he did love her, or loved her as much as he’s capable, he wasn’t good for her. She wasn’t innocent, not completely, but she was his victim too. We all were.
“You sound like Morgan. He manipulated you. He doesn’t care about you.”
“He loves me,” I say, and…I believe it. Morgan and I were robbed of our brotherhood. East too, of course, but it was different with me and Morgan. And now, now I believe he loves me. He loves me more than the man standing in front of me ever will.
“All this. Is because of Easton. He ruined—”
“Stop!” I shout, a lifetime of anger and exhaustion coming out in that one word. “Just. Stop. You taught Morgan and me to hate each other, and you made us abandon East. I won’t do that anymore. They’re my brothers, and I love them. You’re not worth it.”
A calmness I’ve never experienced before fills me. It’s like so many parts of myself have settled into place. I won’t pretend things will be perfect or easy from here on out, but everything is better and will continue to get that way.
“Rhett.”
“No,” I tell him, then walk to the door and open it. “Get out. I need to get ready to go spend the evening with my brothers.”
I stand there, door open, watching him. When he doesn’t move, I signal for the nurse to come in. A moment later, she gets out of the car and walks up.
“Hi. Can you help my dad out to the car?”
“Yes. Of course.”
“Don’t. Need. Help,” Dad says, but I don’t argue, don’t speak to him at all, and he lets her take his arm and lead him out of the house.
I close the door behind them, then pull out my phone and go to my list. Below today’s date, I write: free.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Tripp
When I arrive at Rhett’s place, it takes him a moment to answer the door. I’m excited about tonight, excited to spend time out with him, even though I can’t claim him publicly yet. I’m hoping that will change soon. And even more important is the fact that he’ll be spending time with Morgan and East. The three of them need that, and I’m so fucking grateful that I get to be a part of it.
As soon as the door opens, I can tell something’s wrong. “What happened?” I ask, stepping inside.
Rhett looks slightly dazed.
“Baby, what happened?” I ask again, closing the door behind me and taking his face in my hands, feeling the scratch of his stubble against my palms.
Something about what I said seems to snap him out of his trance. “My dad came by. You just missed him.”
My heart sinks, and every muscle in my body tightens. That motherfucker doesn’t deserve to breathe the same air as Rhett and his brothers, and I can’t help wishing I’d been here for him, that I could have stood by Rhett’s side when he dealt with Gregory.
“Shit. I’m sorry.” I take my jacket off, then lead him to the couch. “Is everything okay?”
We sit down, and again, it takes Rhett a moment to speak. He rubs his hands up and down his jean-covered thighs. “He started with his typical shit—saying he made me, insinuating I’m nothing without him. He said Morgan and East don’t love me, that they’re manipulating me. He blamed it on Morgan, then on East, and I just…couldn’t do it anymore. Don’t want to do it anymore. I’m so fucking tired of the way he makes me feel. I don’t deserve it.”
Hearing that makes me so proud of him. Months ago, hell, weeks ago, Rhett would have thought he did deserve it, would have found a way to blame himself, but that’s not him anymore. “No. You don’t. You never did. You deserve nothing but happiness. You deserve to be around people who love you and treat you well.”
He looks at me, brown eyes so damn sincere. “For the first time in my life, I believe that. I kicked him out. I told him he’s not worth it, and it’s like this weight I’ve been carrying fell off my shoulders, like I haven’t been able to breathe my whole life and now I can finally take in a deep breath. It’s incredible, but a little scary too.”