Page 145 of Forgive You

“See what?” The officer holding on to Jacob’s arm frowns.

“Are you kidding me?”

The second officer shrugs. “I didn’t see anything.”

“What? You corrupt assholes!”

Officer number one tilts his head in warning. “Watch it, Spencer. You don’t want disorderly conduct added to your record.”

Incredulity flickers on Jacob’s beaten features. “He attacked me!”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Get in,” says officer number two.

He gives Jacob a nudge, and he gets in, pleading with his mother. “Mama! Please call a lawyer.”

The woman sniffs in Jordan’s arms. Oh, fuck. I never even considered what it would do to her to find out her oldest son is a rapist. Tears are streaming down her puffy cheeks while Jordan keeps his arms firmly wrapped around her.

The door slams shut, and both officers get in the car.

Jason twists in front of me. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because–”

“You should’ve told me!” he cuts me off, before the cop car rumbles to life, and it drives off.

“I’m sorry.” I grab his upper arms. “I know you’re mad at me.”

His face twists, blue eyes turning a shade darker. “I’m not mad at you! I’m fucking furious!”

My heart breaks.

I swear I can feel it crack in my ribcage before he continues.

“But I also fucking love you, Julie! Don’t you get it? There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you! Nothing! Including protecting you from my own brother.”

The air is slammed from my lungs. “You love me?”

A feral groan erupts from his chest, almost godlike, as if he’s Zeus preparing to shoot a couple of thunderbolts.

“Goddamn, Jules. Of course I love you!” He spins on his heels in frustration, then grips his hair as he spins back. “Wasn’t it obvious from day one? I hated him because he claimed you first. But you were always meant to be mine. MINE!”

He loves me.

“Jason,” I say, trying to get attention, but his rage leaves no room for anything else.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because he was gonna destroy your life! I couldn’t let that happen.”

Jason blinks, the short silence that follows eerie and nerve-racking. “How can he ever destroy my life when I got you?”

Oh, God.I’m so happy Jacob isn’t here for him to get in trouble over a little more.

“He made a sex tape,” I confess.

“I know.”

“You know?”He knows?!

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