Page 48 of Cruel Vows

I drum my fingers on the wheel as the light turns green. “She’s fine. She said he took off, but she thinks he might be back so I’m going to go be with her until her brother gets there. I’ll probably just spend the night either way though.”

Aiden pauses, something slamming shut in the background. “Alright, well, if you change your mind when you’re there, call me and I’ll send a couple of the guys over.”

“Thanks, Aid. Everything is going to be fine, though. She’s got a bottle of wine and a list of movies waiting to be watched.”

He chuckles. “I’m glad that you’re finally starting to feel better about everything going on. I know this was a lot to ask of you, but I appreciate the way you’re helping the family.”

“You would do the same for me,” I say, even though I’m not so sure it’s the truth anymore.

I love my brother, but he is a flawed man. He can’t take a step back to see that his choices are going to cost him everything one day.

Aiden hums his agreement. “How close are you to this friend’s house? The weather tonight has been pretty bad.”

“I know.” It starts to rain lightly again, but visibility is still good and I’m not that far from Royce’s apartment. “I’m not that far now. Maybe another ten minutes with traffic the way it is.”

“Alright. I’ll call Dominic back and let him know not to worry.”

“Thanks, Aid. Have a good night. Love you.”

“Love you too, Ellie. Let me know if this guy comes back and causes more problems.”

“I will.”

He ends the call just as I turn into the parking garage for Royce’s building, punching the code he gave me into the little box.

The door whirs as it opens. I drive in, parking in one of the visitor spots beside the elevator to the penthouse.

As I get in the elevator, I take a deep breath. I doubt that Royce is going to be thrilled to see me, but he’ll at least understand me needing a night away from everyone. It’s why he has his apartment and everyone else still lives at home.

The doors slide open to reveal the small foyer outside Royce’s front door.

I pull my suitcase along beside me, tote thumping against my thigh.

The door opens before I can knock on it, Royce standing on the other side with a joint dangling between his lips.

He looks at the suitcase beside me. “What are you doing here?”

“Can I hide out here for a day? Please?”

I don’t know what he sees written on my face when he looks at me, but he opens the door wider before giving me a tight hug and pulling me inside.

He passes me the joint and takes the suitcase. “Whatever’s going on, we’re going to get through it.”

As I take a long drag of the blunt, holding the smoke for a second before exhaling, I wish I could believe him.

13

SEAN

My head is poundingas I walk up the driveway, wishing that I hadn’t just spent the night sleeping in a booth at the local dive bar.

There’s a tight knot at the base of my neck, and my entire body is stiff. I’m getting too old to spend nights like that, but after seeing the way Ellie completely shut herself down last night, I didn’t know what else to do or where to go.

I take a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for another battle as I open the door. “Ellie?”

No sound comes from inside the house as I shut the door behind me and kick off my shoes. I’m not surprised, though. It would be just like her to give me the silent treatment.

I’m exhausted after dealing with the tension between us every day. Life would be so much easier if we could just get to the part where we’re finally getting along with each other.

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