Page 55 of Embracing Hope

“And you believe her?” he snorted.

“I believe the cameras. Oh? You didn’t know she has cameras now?” Jace shook his head. “Use your brain, bro. You should have guessed she would have cameras after you acted like a psycho.”

“So you going to arrest me?”

“I talked her out of pressing charges and told her I’d talk with you.” Jace widened his stance. “The restraining order states you’re not allowed to come onto the property. You could be in big trouble if I hadn’t saved your ass, again.”

“I can read. I know what it says.”

“How many times have I warned you to leave Courtney alone?” Jace picked up the framed picture of Dex, Courtney, and Marah, examined it closer with a smirk, and then set it back on the shelf.

“I heard that Molly left you. Maybe you should worry about your wife.”

Like a striking rattler, Jace was across the short distance of the room and had his hand swathed around Dex’s throat, shoving him hard against the wall. “I’m tired of your shenanigans. Do you realize how many times I’ve cleaned up your messes? How many times I’ve gone to bat for you?”

Dex couldn’t breathe. He tapped on Jace’s arm, which loosened his grip slightly.

“Now you’re going to listen to me and listen to me well. I’m with Courtney now. I will be the man for her that you could never be. I won’t give you another warning to stay away from her, and Marah. I think it’s best for your well-being if you pack your shit and leave town. Sagebrush Pine isn’t big enough for you and me. Got it?” Jace pointed his finger in Dex’s face.

He obediently nodded, just as he’d done all the years of his childhood. Embedded with a fear that had lasted into adulthood.

“Wonderful.” Jace removed his hand from Dex’s throat and then patted his cheek like he was rewarding a dog for good behavior. “Now that we have that clear, make it happen before I do.”

Remaining quiet, Dex watched Jace leave. Once the door was closed, Dex fell to the floor, gasping for air through his aching throat. Finally, his breathing normally, he pushed himself up from the floor and stared at the closed door. He clenched his hands into fists.

He always knew his brother was an asshole and Courtney was a whore.

Dex’s dreams flew out the window.

The last shred of control diminished.

Soon everyone would fear him.

Chapter Thirteen

Isaac swore he wouldn’t leave Hope’s side, especially after Billy’s attack.

Hope was in her bathroom while he waited for her in her bedroom. At this point, he didn’t care if Sam was aware of Isaac and Hope’s relationship. His priority was her safety. No way in hell would he leave her alone until there were answers as to who attacked her and Billy. The last he heard, Billy was doing well. After receiving stitches on his wound, Doc Lafferty advised that he stay at the clinic for observation, which was likely the best option.

Isaac’s mind wandered to Hope. The incident could have easily happened to her when the intruder broke in. There was a madman on the loose wanting to rake the Rose family through the coals. He was even more convinced that a hand was the one wreaking havoc.

With each passing day spent together, Isaac came to understand that he desired her more than anything. He wanted to explore where their relationship could go. Realistically, that meant he’d have to learn to be vulnerable and better at communication.

He could fail her. He could fail himself.

But not being with her might kill him.

The bathroom door opened, and she came out wearing only a thin white T-shirt that clung to her body in ways that should be criminal. The shadow of her nipples and the apex of her thighs made his mouth water.

The woman had a hold of him, unlike anything he’d ever felt.

Her wavy hair rippled down her shoulders and back, and she wore no makeup—not even a stitch—which made the freckles across her nose more prominent.

She stopped next to the bed, staring down at him with those observant pristine blue eyes that sent him spiraling.

“Can I help you?” he asked, trying his best to keep his gaze locked with hers instead of journeying to her hardened nipples that pressed against the T-shirt.

“You’re sleeping in my spot,” she said sassily.

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