Page 231 of Master of My Life

There was no good option.

Sabrina didn’t expect the bedroom to be empty when she walked out of the bathroom. She searched

the house for Chase and Ethan, finally locating them in the kitchen, but didn’t expect to see Ethan

upset.

His face was pale, his eyes squeezed shut, his fists clenched, his jaw like stone.

“Ethan, what’s wrong?” She hurried over to him. He was battling an inner demon, and it hurt her

heart. She glanced at Chase, who gave her a sad look and a small shrug. He didn’t know how to help

him either. “Ethan?” She pressed her hand against his rough cheek, and he opened his eyes. They were

filled with pain.

He forced a smile. “Hey.”

“What’s wrong?”

He shook his head. “Trying to be brave.”

“You are brave.”

Chase touched her hand. “Remember what I told you. About what happened to him as a kid?”

“You told her?” Ethan looked surprised, but not upset.

“Just the bare bones.”

Ethan nodded and then shrugged and looked up at her. “Yeah, that’s it.”

“I don’t want you to hurt.” The pain in his heart made her want to reach inside his chest and pull it

out to give him relief.

“I’ll be okay.” He put his hand on hers. “Really.”

“You’re afraid.”

He nodded.

She glanced at Chase. “Didn’t you help him the last time?”

Chase’s eyes widened. “Well, yeah, but . . .” He looked between her and Ethan. “It was different.”

“Why?”

He let out an exasperated breath. “You weren’t around.”

She blinked. “You won’t do it because I’m here? Should I leave?”

“Sabrina!” Chase pushed back his chair and stood, a bewildered look on his face. “I can’t—”

“Why?”

Chase stared at her.