Page 147 of Forgive You

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“Jacob called me.”

Well, there are three little words that interrupt my newfound joy for the ocean.

Jason tosses his surfboard to the side, then lowers himself onto the warm sand next to it.

“Oh?” I slowly turn my head his way, a nervous feeling clawing its way up my spine, and when Jason’s cheeks spread out in a warm smile, I know it’s because I don’t hide it well.

“Don’t worry, baby.” He chuckles, tucking me against his side. “You never have to see him again.”

“Technically, I do,” I remind him. “I still have to testify against him in court.”

His lips land on my hair as his hands pull me closer against his wet body.

“I know. But I’ll be right there with you.”

I’m dreading it.

Can’t even pretend I’m not.

But after Kathy and I pressed charges together, whispers around town turned into full-blown rumors, and soon a handfulof girls confessed to having experienced the same. All girls Jason abused when he and I were still together.

Turns out, the sick bastard didn’t just cheat on me; half the time, he did it without their consent.

It was a relief as much as it was sickening.Literally.

The first time I heard about it, I cried for days. I threw up every meal I tried to consume, because the guilt that I should have done something sooner was heavier than any knot in my stomach.

Having my friends around me helped.

Jason helped.

But the counselor I found when Jason and I flew back to LA has been a true lifesaver. Now, a couple of weeks later, I’m happy knowing Jacob is locked up somewhere, unable to hurt anyone else. Though, the guilt isn’t completely removed from my mind.

“Why did he call you?” I crane my neck so I can look into my favorite set of blue eyes.

He’s staring into the sunset, the last rays of sunshine glowing onto his cheeks.

“Wanted me to pay for his lawyer.” I freeze against his body, and he squeezes my shoulder. “I told him that if I hadn’t spent every last penny of my savings to destroy that sex tape he made of us, I still wouldn’t give him a dime. Then I said I hope he rots in hell.

I can’t hold back the relief that rolls out of my lungs with a breath, then I close my eyes for a second.

“You didn’t really think I’d help him in any way, would you?”

“No.” In theory, no. “But he’s still your brother.”

“He’s not my brother. Jordan is my brother. Hunter is my brother. Jensen and Bodi too. Jacob Spencer is just someone I share blood and a last name with. He’s nothing.” Jason grabs my chin, then tilts it so he can look into my eyes. “You’reeverything.”

My heart swells, growing to epic proportions when his warm lips connect with mine.

Deep down, I know Jason would always pick me over Jacob, but as long as he’s not convicted, my nervous system has a hard time accepting that it’s all really over.

I suck in a full breath of salty air, letting the fear dissipate from my body.

“I love you,” I tell him. “Do you know that?”

His smile is broad and it’s my favorite thing. “I had a feeling. But I don’t get enough of you telling me.”

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