Page 82 of Sworn to Protect

She has to.

The door opens, but I’m met with a tear-streaked little face instead of Mackenzie’s warm smile.

Nick

My gut clenches. Something’s wrong.

“What’s up, buddy?” My voice is careful, even as my pulse hammers.

“Mom’s crying.”

Ice floods my veins. “What? Is she hurt?”

Nick shakes his head, lower lip trembling. Across the hall, Liam leans on his crutches outside Mackenzie’s bedroom, his expression twisted with worry.

“She inside?” I ask, already moving.

Liam nods. “But she won’t let us in.”

Dread pools in my stomach. She knows.

I bang on the door. “Mackenzie, are you okay?” I twist the knob, only to find it locked.

Silence.

Shit.

I pound harder. “Mackenzie, you’re scaring the kids.”

That does it. Footsteps shuffle across the floor, and the door swings open?—”

And then she slaps me. Hard.

I stumble back, more from shock than pain. Shit. I wasn’t expecting that.

Her arm lifts for another strike, but I catch her wrist.

“Apparently, I did something to you.”

Her green eyes blaze with fury. “You son of a bitch.”

“What did I—” My gaze drops. A single sheet of ecru linen paper lays on the floor.

No.

I don’t have to see the handwriting. I already know who wrote it.

“Let me explain.”

“Explain?” Her laugh is sharp and bitter. “I think my husband explained enough.”

Fuck! I forgot hetoldher. I was supposed to be long gone before she read that letter. Not standing around here like an idiot who fell in love with her.

“How could you?” she spits, voice shaking. “You looked me in the eye every day and lied to me.”

“There were so many times I tried to tell you.” I clamp my jaw tight before I say something regretful. This lie isn’t anyone else’s fault but my own. I take full responsibility. “Look, I was going to tell you tonight.”

“Don’t even try to justify it.” Her eyes glisten with unshed tears, but her voice is steel. “You knew who I was this whole time. Is this some sick, twisted joke?”

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