Page 2 of When We Break

“I didn’t want that. I want a dog that looks intimidating, is well trained and alert, and is also my best friend. Riley helps me feel better. I don’t want to deal with an aggressive dog.” I lift my chin, and neither has a comeback for that. “I’m going to Montana. You’re always welcome there, but I won’t ever return to New York.”

“I wish you’d go to Ireland,” Connor says. “You’d be safe with Ma and Da. Lewis wouldn’t find you there.”

“We don’t say that arsehole’s name in my house.” I narrow my eyes at my brother, and he rubs his hand over his forehead in agitation before pushing his glasses up his nose.

“Go to Ma and Da,” he repeats.

“I’m not a child.” Shaking my head, I walk into my brother’s arms and hold on tight, soaking him in. “Besides, you’ll come see me all the time. You’ll fly out in your fancy jet and stay with me.”

“As often as I can,” he confirms, hugging me close. “But running away doesn’t erase what’s happened.”

“He won’t leave New York.” I sound surer than I feel, but I need to believe that. Because if I’m wrong, I won’t be safe anywhere. “I’m actually excited for this new adventure. To start fresh somewhere new, to make friends, to teach.”

Mik scoffs, still pacing angrily.

My Russian friend has a hot temper.

“You go then,” he says, flailing his arm dramatically my way, yet still looking so graceful as he does. “You goteachand leave me here to pick up the pieces.”

“I have an understudy,” I remind him. “And she’s been filling in for me for three months.”

Three brutal, agonizing months.

“She’s not you.”

Mik frames my face in his big hands, and as usual, I feel so loved. These incredible men have my back, and I know I’m lucky to have these guys in my corner.

“I’ll miss you too,a stór.”

His lips tremble. “I cannot leave as often as Connor can, but I will come visit.”

“Good.” I grin at him. “Bring Benji with you.”

“Like he would let me go without him.” Mik shakes his head. I know what he’s thinking. We’ve always been able to read each other’s minds.

This is the end of an era.

But if I’m going to live—and have a chance to live a good life—I have to do this.

“Connor will fly you there?” Mik asks us.

“Of course,” my brother replies.

“No.”

“You won’t fecking argue with me on this,” Connor insists.

I sigh. “Fine. You’ll fly me.”

To my new start. To my safe place.

Please, God, let it be safe.

ChapterOne

SKYLA

“What are you doing right now?”

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