Page 18 of Unbearable

He went to reach out to me, but I stepped back. “How long has this been going on?” he asked.

“A long time,” I said flatly. Turning around, I moved back to the chair and sat down, needing some distance.

He rolled his shoulders back, his jacket moving with him. “What did Colt say?”

My eldest brother was a detective for Woodstone County, and he was the first person I told when this started happening. “He told me to keep reporting it. Since it happened in Seattle, he couldn’t really do anything here. I keep pepper spray with me whenever I leave the house now. I don’t go anywhere alone if I can help it. I make sure someone always knows where I am at all times. You don’t need to play big brother. I have that covered.”

“Good.” His jaw ticked.

Curled up in the chair, I folded my arms across my body. “Um, I’m sorry. What? Good? You go all angry caveman and then leave it at good?”

“Yes, good. What else am I supposed to do? You clearly have taken the proper steps to report it. I am assuming you will do that again now. Your family knows, and you have taken precautions to keep yourself safe. So, yes.Good.” He took a breath.

“Well, thanks?” My voice came out as a question. I stood, grabbing my bag off the bed. “I am off to go see Dorian and Gracie. I’ll see you later.”

“Be careful. Text me when you get there.” His voice was no less calm than before.

“Do I have to?” My eyes rolled.

“Please.” He sighed. “Do it, or I will sic your dad on you,” he said, going back to his typical happy self as if nothing had happened.

“Fine,” I said and headed out the door.

Five minutes later, my phone buzzed and I saw a text from Trent.

Trent

Did you make it?

Me

Calm your tits. Just got here.

Trent

Calm my tits? What are you 12?

Me

You are clearly the child here. One in need of a lesson in patience at that.

Trent

Patience, huh? Maybe you could teach me sometime.

Me

In your dreams, cowboy. I’m going to see my niece now. Goodbye.

Trent

I’m always here if you change your mind.

Me

Keep dreaming.

I tucked my phone into my pocket and walked inside.

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