Page 36 of Every Breath

“And I don’t love you.” It sounded brutal, but he needed to know.

“Is it because of what happened last Friday?” he asked.

“No. I think I’ve always known that I can’t love you the way you want me to.”

“I don’t care. You can learn to love me. Just stop talking nonsense and say you were kidding.” He smiled and held the ring out to her.

Brandi shook her head. Why wasn’t he getting it? “If after two years I’m not in love with you, what makes you think I will ever love you?”

“But you told me you loved me,” Rodney accused.

“And it wasn’t a lie. I’m just not in love with you. I convinced myself that I could fall in love with you, but I can’t. It just isn’t meant to be.”

“Don’t say that!”

“It’s the truth.”

“So you’re dumping me for this…person?”

“That’s none of your business, Rodney. Leave now because this conversation is getting us nowhere.”

Rodney’s nostrils flared and his eyes narrowed. “This conversation isn’t over by a long shot. We’ll talk this over when your boyfriend isn’t here. Know this; no one can love you like I can. No one!” On that note, he stalked out the door and slammed it behind him.

The look she caught in his eyes was chilling. She couldn’t believe that in the nine years she had known him she’d never seen this side of him before.

Brandi knew she had done the right thing. The way he had claimed his love for her in that fevered manner was frightening. Who knew what her life would have been had she not come to her senses.

Shaking, she walked into Mason’s waiting arms. He held her close and soothed her as she got herself under control. Brandi lifted her head to look into his eyes.

“Are you okay?” he asked with obvious concern.

“I am now. Thank you. I needed that hug. I’m glad you were here. I don’t know what would have happened if you weren’t.” She shuddered to even think about it.

“You were very brave.” He kissed her temple.

“I was shaking on the inside, believe me.”

“You know I would have stepped in for you.”

“I know, and I appreciate it.”

“That encounter was a little…odd.”

“Yes, it does seem surreal doesn’t it? I knew when I broke off the engagement with Rodney that he might not take it well, but I certainly didn’t expect all that. It was my fault.”

He frowned. “Why do you say that?”

“I should never have accepted his proposal. It was selfish of me.”

“Selfish? How?”

Brandi shrugged. “He did so much for me after Damon died that I couldn’t imagine him not being in my life.”

“That’s not what I think. Look at me, Brandi.” He lifted her chin.

She couldn’t keep a straight thought when he looked at her like that.

“I think Rodney knew exactly what he was doing. He took advantage of you when you were most vulnerable and he made himself appear indispensable. From what I saw tonight, it seems to me that you should probably file a restraining order against him. After that little display, there’s no telling what he’s capable of.”

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