Page 39 of The Marine

I might be her personal assistant and bridesmaid, but there are lines you don’t cross.

Plus, I really want to get off this call.

“I have a right to know if you are okay,” Mom demands.

“I’m fine. It was just a bruise. Nothing broken.”

“I should hope not. Kael had his hand around your throat!”

Nothing Dad didn’t do to you.

Or me.

I don’t say that out loud, even though I want to.

At the end of the day, it’s my fault.

Is it?

Why do I think these things? Am I just repeating what my mom said over and over during my childhood?

“Briar!” My mom interrupts my thoughts that are lost in time.

“Mom. Stop. I shouldn’t have lied to him. I agreed to go on these dates. I was just...” I search for the right words, because if I tell her I’m scared, it will just make her worry more. “Tired and wanted to go home.”

God, now I’m lying to my mother.

During dinner, Vanessa rang pretending to be Mom. I jumped to my feet, asking if she was okay, and told Kael I had to go check on her after the call disconnected.

Stupid idea.

Of course, he wasn’t going to just let me ride away in an Uber.

“I have to go,” I said, gathering up my bag and jacket. “Something’s wrong with Mom. I will call you tomorrow.”

“What’s happened?” he asked, and I could see he didn’t believe me.

“I don’t know. I just have to go.”

Good one.

I’m such a terrible liar.

His face turned angry, and he tossed some big notes on the table, then followed me out of the restaurant.

“I can go. Just—”

“Briar, I’m your damn husband. How many times do I need to say it? I’m coming with you.”

“No.” I stood my ground and stopped on the sidewalk.

“Do not test my patience. Get in the damn car.”

He opened the door, and I began to panic as he rounded the car.

What the hell was I going to do?

By the time we arrived, I was a hot mess. I was sweating and my hands shaking.

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