Page 57 of Found By You

“What the hell are you thinking, man? You hardly know this woman,” he barks.

My jaw tightens. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

For a split second, my brother’s expression softens. That damn look. The one I’ve been forced to be on the receiving end of for years now. And I loathe it more than anything.

“You know she’s not—” he starts.

I’m in his face a split second later. “If you know what’s good for you, you won’t finish that sentence,” I threaten, gritting my teeth. “I know who she is, and I know what I want. For the last time, our relationship is none of your business. So, back. The fuck. Off.”

Cassidy steps between us. “Stop it. Both of you. Maci is already upset. She doesn’t need to come out here and hear you two fighting again. She’s here, she’s pregnant, and she’s staying. Even if we need to offer her a place to stay, too.”

Butch snaps his head to Cassidy, and his glare says it all.

“Don’t worry about us,” I seethe. “I’ve got it handled.”

Butch scoffs. “Then you should know the cabin is booked for the twenty-third.”

That’s two days away. Shit.

I bite my tongue when Maci finally emerges from the restroom and toes her way to my side. Her face is pale, eyes bloodshot, and nose bright red. “Sorry about that,” she says quietly.

I want to tell her she has nothing to apologize for, but think better of it given our current audience. “Ready?” I ask.

She nods, turning off the studio lights and locking the door.

My brother follows our lead with his fiancée tucked at his side, but I can’t be bothered by their presence. I’m already weighing my—no, our options. Maci doesn’t need this kind of stress. I just got her to draw back on the apartment hunt, now here she is throwing up because of it.

Unfortunately, places for rent are scarce. It’s why I’ve been staying at the cabin.

When we reach the resort entrance Butch grunts, “Wait.”

We stop while Maci digs through her purse for her keys.

“You think you’ll be able to find something in two days?” Butch asks me.

“Two days,” Maci whispers for only me to hear.

If he makes her throw up again, I swear…

“I’ve got it under control,” I grind out, hoping the look I’m giving him explains the rest.

He sighs heavily, gazing down at Cass holding his arm with pleading eyes. “You’re both welcome to stay with us until you find something or when your house is done.”

I don’t get a chance to refuse their offer because my future wife is too busy walking away from me. “It was good seeing you guys.” She waves over her shoulder, tears streaming down her face as she forces a smile. “I’ll see you Monday, Cassidy.”

I follow her. “Maci,” I call, picking up the pace to a near jog as she hustles through the parking lot. “Maci, wait.” I reach out and catch her arm. “Babe…”

She whimpers, a cry in her voice. “What?”

I lift her chin to meet my gaze, swiping perfect tears from her flushed cheeks. “I’ll make a few calls, doll. You don’t need to worry. I’ll take care of this for us.”

She shakes her head. “There is no us, Duke, remember? We’re friends with benefits. And you know what? You should find someone else. I’m not into whatever wanna-be relationship game you’ve picked me out for. Stay with your brother, I’ll figure something out.”

My chest tightens. Is that what she thinks? This is some fucking game? My hold tightens. “You don’t mean that, angel. Let’s get home and talk—”

“Yes, I do,” she sobs. “Let me go, Duke, you’re hurting me.”

No. This is all wrong.

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