Page 66 of Sworn to Protect

I bite my lip, heat creeping up my neck. He does own me there. The thought sends a shiver through me. “Fine, I’ll give you that.”

Jill pumps the air. “I knew it!”

I shake my head in disbelief and then sigh from the weight of the stress.

“Hey, look at it this way. You’ll have a professional to help take care of Liam.”

“Silver lining. Nate said he’d watch Liam while I work and go to school.”

“Speaking of work, you can take all the time off you need. Don’t worry about the café. I can handle it for a while.”

“Thanks.” I shift in my chair. These hospital chairs aren’t the most comfortable. But then again, who am I to complain? I’m not the one with a broken leg. My stomach rolls. “I don’t know how anything will go right now.”

My classes or my clinical.I don’t want to leave the boys at Mom’s. I can’t trust them around them. That becomes more obvious every day. I may have to drop my classes.Again.

But Nate’s right. We need to talk, and I need answers.

The door swings open again. My stomach drops.

“How’s my boy?”

Mom.

Jill gives me a side-eyed glance. She knows my mom is the last person I want to deal with right now.

Mom’s gaze flicks to Liam’s battered form, her face crumpling. She makes the sign of the cross, whispering a Hail Mary. Maybe she’s finally seeing what Jordan did.

“As I explained on the phone, his spleen is bruised but not ruptured. His leg will heal.” My voice is steady, but inside, I’m still reeling. Liam will have a metal rod in his leg for the rest of his life. A reminder of this nightmare.

“It’s good seeing you, Mrs. Turner. I’ll let you visit with your family.” Jill pushes to her feet. “As I said, take whatever time you need. I’ll check in tomorrow.”

“Thanks, Jill. I appreciate you coming.” I’m so lucky to have someone like her in my corner.

Mom kisses Liam’s forehead before sitting beside me. Her lips press into a tight line, the same look she always gets before defending my brother.Here we go.

“I know you’re furious, but Jordan feels awful.”

I stiffen. “He had no right taking Liam without my permission.”

“I’m not saying it’s right, but don’t shut him out.”

My hands clench. “Are you serious?”

I look at my mom. Really look at her. The worry lines framing her eyes. Her mouth drawn taut. She actually wants me to forgive him.

“Mom, what Jordan did is unforgivable. Liam almost died. If his spleen had ruptured, he would have.”

She at least has the decency to flinch. “I’m not condoning what Jordan did, but?—”

“It sure sounds like you are.”

“No, I’m not. But he realizes the ramifications of his actions.”

“I’m surprised,” I scoff. Mom’s pulling out the big words. I’m instantly suspicious. “What’s really going on?”

“This is the first time he’s come back in years. I don’t want him disappearing again.”

Her words couldn’t be more precise—to hell with what he has pulled on my son and me. We should handle Jordan with kid gloves so his precious pride doesn’t get wounded, and he runs and hides for another five years. Jordan never could do anything wrong in her eyes. Apparently, being neglectful doesn’t rank. Fuck that.

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