Page 17 of Breaker

Without a word, he approached me, his strong arm wrapping around my shoulders in a gesture of silent support. I leaned into his touch, the warmth of him seeping through my shirt and into my skin, chasing away the chill that had taken hold of me.

“You okay?” Breaker’s voice was a low rumble, his breath tickling the shell of my ear.

I swallowed hard, trying to find the words to explain the turmoil that raged within me. “I-I don’t know. Seeing those girls, knowing what happened to them… It’s just a lot to process.”

“We don’t know what happened to all of them,” he said.

“I know, but if they’re missing or were found dead, then something awful happened, even if my uncle wasn’t responsible.”

Breaker’s grip tightened, his fingers tracing soothing circles on my arm. “I can’t even imagine what you’re going through right now. Just know I’m here for you. We all are.”

“Thank you, Breaker. For being here, for believing in me. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, his thumb tracing the curve of my jaw. “You’ll never have to find out, darlin’. I’m not going anywhere.”

My breath caught in my throat as Breaker knelt beside me and took me in his arms, pulling me closer to his solid chest. I buried my face in the crook of his neck, breathing in the comforting scent of leather and sandalwood that clung to his skin. For a moment, I allowed myself to simply be held, to let go of the guilt and the fear that had been weighing me down for so long.

But even as I melted into his embrace, I couldn’t shake the nagging sense of unworthiness that plagued me. How could I deserve this comfort, this love, when so many others had suffered? I didn’t care what they said, I’d been a coward. After I saw that first girl die, I should have said something.

As if sensing my inner turmoil, Breaker’s hand came up to cup my cheek, tilting my face up to meet his gaze. His eyes were soft, filled with a tenderness that made my heart ache. “Whatever you’re thinking right now, stop. No more bad thoughts, all right?”

“Why does life have to be so unfair?”

“I don’t know. I guess if it were fair, then everyone would be happy and no one would ever suffer. Sounds like a utopia to me. Sadly, those don’t exist in reality. Don’t let your uncle’s actions destroy you. He’s taken enough from you already.”

I nodded against Breaker’s chest, my resolve solidifying with each steady beat of his heart. Breaker’s arms tightened around me, his strength a comfort I’d needed more than I’d realized.

Slowly, I pulled back, my eyes locking with his. He smiled softly, his calloused hand reaching up to brush a stray tear from my cheek. “You’re so beautiful. Not sure if I ever told you that.”

“You didn’t but thank you. I don’t remember the last time someone said something like that to me.”

As the sun began to set outside the kitchen window, casting a warm glow across the room, I felt a shift within myself -- a quiet determination that burned steadily in my chest. The darkness might always be a part of me, but it no longer defined me. With Breaker’s help, I would learn to embrace the light, to find hope in the face of despair. And just like he’d said, we’d get justice for all my uncle’s victims and make sure he never harmed anyone ever again.

Chapter Eight

Breaker

Ever since Juniper went through the file of photos Surge had printed off, she’d been facing bits of melancholy. It had been several days now, and I couldn’t figure out how to snap her out of it. I’d put on movies to watch with her, we baked cookies together -- although my baking skills were pretty nonexistent -- and I’d even offered to take her on a ride through the compound. Nothing had worked.

Even now, she’d retreated to the bedroom and was most likely wallowing in bed or asleep. To say I was worried was an understatement. There’d been a slight fire in her eyes but over the past few days, it had slowly dimmed once more.

A sharp knock jolted me from my thoughts. I opened the door to find Surge standing there, his expression an unsettling mix of urgency and calm determination. What the fuck was going on now?

“Surge,” I said, stepping aside to let him in.

He strode past me, his jaw set. “We need to talk.”

The tension in the room thickened as he entered. This wasn’t a social call -- something must have happened for Surge to show up like this, unannounced. Not to mention his overall demeanor right now. Whatever it was, I had a feeling shit was about to hit the fan.

Juniper padded into the living room, her brow furrowed with concern. I slipped an arm around her waist and pulled her close, wondering if I should ask her to leave. A sinking feeling in my gut told me Surge was about to drop a bombshell we weren’t ready for. Juniper was already struggling with everything she’d been dealing with. I wasn’t sure how much more she could handle.

“What is it?” I asked, meeting Surge’s gaze.

He took a deep breath, as if steeling himself. “New information came in.”

Juniper stiffened against me, her fingers digging into my arm. I tightened my hold on her, a silent reassurance. Whatever this was about, we’d face it together.

“He’s being released from prison,” Surge said, his words precise and measured. “Tomorrow.”

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