Page 134 of Always

“It’s not your fault,” she tells me. “No one asked you to save the world.”

“That’s what I’ve always told myself. But I was wrong. What good is my fortune if I don’t use it to help others?”

Peter drops to the floor. “Please. It’s all my dad. I never wanted to do any of this. But he—”

“Get up, you sniveling piece of shit.” Beau scoffs. “I’m embarrassed to have you for a son.”

As angry as I am, I can’t help feeling sorry for Peter in that moment. Being raised by Beau Reardon couldn’t have been any kind of picnic.

Sirens blare in the distance, and two patrol cars pull up to the building. Five blues enter, and Beau and Peter are cuffed and charged, their Miranda rights read.

Everything passes in a blur as the cops take both Beau and Peter away.

Finally, when they’re gone, Skye steps out of my arms but then nearly falls. I steady her quickly.

“You okay?”

“No,” she says. “Not even a little bit.”

“You seemed so calm.”

“It was an act, Braden. They had me cornered. I didn’t know what to do. I’m so glad you showed up.”

“I had a feeling Beau wouldn’t take this lying down. But I underestimated him. I figured he’d come directly to me.”

“Why? He’s obviously been exploiting women for years.”

“Not just women. He uses the drugs to get what he wants in business as well.”

“He’s a coward.”

“You’re absolutely right,” I say. “I won’t make this mistake again. He found my Achilles’ heel. I’m so sorry to put you through this, Skye.”

“I’ll be okay.”

“I know you will. You’re strong. The strongest woman I’ve ever known. Well, you’re tied, anyway.”

“Oh? Tied with whom?”

I exhale slowly. “With my mother, Skye. You’re tied with mymother.”

Chapter Fifty

Back at my place, I pour a bourbon for each of us.

I take a sip, letting the smoky liquor burn my throat. It’s a good burn. A burn I need at the moment.

My heart is still racing from having a gun pointed at me.

But more from seeing it pointed at Skye.

I felt terror at the prospect of losing her—so much so that I lost control for a few precious seconds.

Control.

What my life is all about.

And seeing Skye, the gun…

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