Page 69 of Sworn to Protect

I soak in his warmth, his steady presence.We’ll be okay.

But doubt creeps in as Nate’s taillights disappear, and I face my brother.

Jordan’s eyes are wild, his stance unsteady. Something’s wrong.

“You’re not welcome here,” I say firmly.

His jaw clenches. “You don’t even know why I’m here.”

“I don’t need to.”

Jordan’s gaze flicks down the road, then back to me. And then he drops the bomb.

“Nate’s lying to you.”

I jerk my head back and refrain from wanting to shove him off my property.

“What did you say?

Jordan’s voice is steady and sharp. “His real name is Nathanial Dixon-Anders.”

And just like that, the walls around me begin to crack.

I don’t know who to believe anymore.

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

MACKENZIE

The door chime buzzes,cutting through my already foul mood as new customers stomp inside. Great. Just what I needed. My first day back since Liam’s accident, and I’m still not ready to deal with people. But life moves on, doesn’t it?

The only silver lining is that the death gratuity was finally deposited into my account. So there’s that.

“Mackenzie. I’m sorry about Liam. His teammates were pretty shaken.” Mark leans a hip against the counter, his mother standing stiffly beside him.

“Thanks.” I force a smile. “Liam’s going to miss playing.”

“I imagine he will.”

And then Mrs. Morgan strikes. “Who’s taking care of him now? I wouldn’t have guessed you’d be working already.” Her voice is smooth and laced with judgment.

I grip the edge of the countertop. Breathe. Punching an old lady is still frowned upon, right?

“Nate’s with them.”

Her lips thin. “The stranger in town?”

“He’s not exactly a stranger to us,” I say, my tone sharper than I intended. “Besides, he helped save Liam. I certainly can’t trust my brother now, can I?”

A flicker of surprise crosses Mark’s face, but his mother remains unmoved. “I suppose.”

“Mom, I can vouch for Nate. He’s a standup guy.”

Mrs. Morgan’s lips flattened even further, which I didn’t think was possible. Great, she’s going to choke on her disapproval.

Mark glances at me apologetically and mouths,Sorry. I resist the urge to smirk. At least he knows how she treated me when we were together.

“What can I get you?” I ask, eager to get them out of my café and out of my hair. My mood is soured, especially since Jordan’s words still linger a week later.

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