Page 85 of Bought and Broken

I want to believe him. Do I have any reason not to? I look upwards, leaning against my car.

Has Tate ever lied to me about anything? Not really. He refuses to tell me things. He’s been mean to me. But outright lied? I don’t think I’ve caught him doing that.

With a heavy sigh, I text him back.

Are you with my brother?

His text comes in immediately.

No.

I press the button to call him. He answers on the second ring.

“Where are you? Are you okay?” he asks frantically.

“No, not really.”

“Where are you?” he asks again.

I look around.

“Not sure, but I’m safe, if that’s what you’re wondering.”

“Devon, I promise you I didn’t know anything about Summer and Dane.”

“I believe you.”

The words fall from my lips easily.

I believe him.

I guess it’s that simple.

“I’m shocked as hell that you didn’t know,” he says.

“That’s why I’m so upset, Tate. They hid it from me. And how could Summer not tell Dane about this? He’s missed out on three years of his daughter’s life.”

“I’m sorry, baby.”

“Where are you?” I ask.

“Home. Your house.” He adds the last part quickly.

“I don’t want to go back there. I can’t. I’m not ready to talk to Dane yet. I definitely don’t want to see Summer.”

“Understandable.”

“I know you hate it, but can we stay at your place?”

He sighs. “I’m not sure that’ll work. If you’re not here, your brother will lose his shit. And if I’m not here either, they’ll put two and two together.”

“Why are you so ashamed of him finding out about us?” I snap.

“Is that what you think?” he snaps back. “It’s not shame, Devon. I’m worried it’ll cause a problem with you and Dane. That he’ll get mad at me or you. Make you choose. I don’t want to put you in the middle like that. It’s unfair.”

I look out at the water, sighing. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t ever think that I’m ashamed or embarrassed of you, because I’m not. This has nothing to do with that.”

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