Page 86 of Sworn to Protect

Obviously not. “Get what?”

Mark leans back, folding his arms. “Heknewyou’d fall for her. This is his way of either giving you an out or making you work for it if that’s what you wanted.”

I scoff. “You can’tpossibly know that.”

But even as I say the words, a sharp memory cuts through my denial.

Don’t worry if you fall in love with her. She’s easy to love.

The line from Ethan’s letter slams into me like a wrecking ball. My chest tightens. Surely, Ethan wouldn’t have set this up.

Would he?

Mark raises an eyebrow as if reading my mind. “Still think I’m wrong?”

I exhale sharply, my grip tightening on my coffee cup. Mackenzie is easy to love. I’ve known that for a while now. But it isn’t just her. It’s how she puts her kids before anything else. How her smile turns shy when she’s embarrassed. How she makes me feel calm and steady, like the sharp edges of my past aren’t so jagged when she’s around.

It wasn’t just falling for her. It was falling for the life she had built. For the version of myself, I see when I’m with her.

Mark watches me carefully, waiting.

I shake my head. “It doesn’t mean Ethan planned it.”

Mark snorts. “Look, I knew my cousin. He was one hell of a jerk, but he loved Mackenzie in his own way. He just loved chasing adrenaline more. So yeah, I know he set you up to fail.”

The surrounding conversations dull. My worst fear rises in my throat. Did Ethan want this? Would he have approved?

“You don’t think hewantedme to be with her?” In a sick sort of way, part of me had wished for his blessing—a justification for falling for my friend’s wife.

“I’m not saying that.” Mark shakes his head. “It’s more like the opposite. He wanted you toearnher. If you played the savior, it’d be too easy. Mackenzie wouldn’t fall for that. But if she found out the hard way? If you had tofightfor her? Then he knew you were serious.”

“That’s some fucked up shit right there.”

He throws his arms out wide. “As I said, a sadistic son of a bitch.”

I let out a slow breath, rubbing my hands over my face. It’sinsane. But damn, if it doesn’tsoundlike something Ethan would do.

And if it’s true, then I have my answer.

Mark watches me for a long moment and then shakes his head with a smirk. “You’re gonna fight like hell for her, aren’t you?”

I meet his gaze, determination strengthening my resolve. “Damn right, I am.”

Mark chuckles, reaching for his orange juice. “Good. Because I’m pretty sure Ethan was counting on it.”

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

MACKENZIE

“We tracedthe transfers from your account. But it wasn’t just a single time. Several small transactions—each under twenty dollars—have been made over the past month. Then, yesterday’s big withdrawal.” Detective Stubbs’s deep voice is steady, but the words knock the breath from my lungs.

I wrap my arm around my waist, my grip tightening as I stare blankly out the window. How could I have been so blind? It’smyfinances, for fuck’s sake.

“Can you tell where the transfers went? Who requested them?” My voice sounds distant, hollow.

“Have you ever heard of Plymouth Rolling Rock, Inc.?”

I frown. “No.”

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