Page 113 of Charming Deception

“Yeah, I just went through a brutal breakup. And when I called you, in tears, so lost… I desperately needed a change. I needed to reset my whole life. And you didn’t hesitate. You offered me a lifeline. I need to thank you for that. But I don’t owe you anything else.”

“You’re right. And you don’t have to thank me. It’s the least I can do.” He goes over to the bed and sits down, tossing the bras aside. “I know I was never there for you, over the years…” His jaw flexes and that angry vein pulses in his neck as he seems to bite back what he really wants to say. “I should never have let you stay with Troy. I should’ve come, packed you up, and taken you away, long ago. I should’ve kicked his fucking ass.”

“I love you for saying that. And I get that you’re trying to make up for it now. That you’re trying to protect me in ways you couldn’t before. But no one could’ve made me leave Troy. My friends tried, believe me.” I sigh. “Mom tried. But apparently I had to hit rock bottom myself, then sink through the mire under that, and fucking drown.”

“No. I should’ve been there to protect you. I’m your big brother.”

“You didn’t do anything wrong. You had a life to live that didn’t exist in that town. You got out, like everyone dreams of. You made it. You don’t owe me anything either.”

“Still. I should’ve protected you. If I knew it was that bad…”

“How could you know? I never told you.” I sit down next to him. “I never really told anyone. I was his ride or die. That was what I thought. I would’ve done anything for him, at a certain point. Even stay, at the cost of my own happiness.”

Cole gazes at me. “Because you’re loyal. You’re selfless and strong. You’re everything Dad never was. I wish I were half as strong as you.”

I laugh shortly. “I’m a mess, seriously.”

“You’ll be okay,” he says, with conviction. “You’re away from him now.”

“You mean Troy or Dad?”

“Both,” he says soberly.

“Yeah. So let’s just move forward, okay? I’ve spent so much time regretting all the moments in the past I wish I could change. But I can’t change them. The fact is, I fell in love with an extremely charming guy, too young, who turned out to be incredibly messed up. But I left him. It’s done. I’m the last person who wants me to repeat the same mistakes all over again, believe me. I just want to move on. You need to let me. In whatever way I decide is best for me.”

“Yeah. Okay.” My brother sweeps me into a crushing hug. “I’m sorry, Megz. I just want you to be safe and happy.”

“I know. Have you seen Jameson’s security guys? I’m definitely safe.”

He snickers grudgingly.

As for happy… the more time I spend with Jameson, and the more time passes without another word from Troy, the outlook just gets better and better on that.

The first week, Troy texted and called nonstop.

His attempts to get a response out of me, without success, finally petered out a few days ago.

As Cole releases me, I ask him, “So, what’s Jameson’s family like?”

“Terrifying. Why?”

“You’re kidding, right?”

He gives me a contemplative look. “Not really.”

Great.

“Well, I’m meeting them tonight. Jameson wants us to tell them in person.”

“Jesus. So it’s really official? You’re going public with this, just like that?”

I show him the ring on my finger he probably didn’t even notice. The jeweler’s assistant returned with it just after three o’clock, security guard in tow, to slip it onto my finger. It now fits perfectly, and I still can’t quite believe it’s mine.

“Well, fuck.” Cole yanks my hand to him and examines it. “He seriously bought this for you?”

“Thanks.”

He releases my hand. “Shit. I meant?—”

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