Page 128 of When We Break

“You didn’t have to?—”

“You don’t have to worry about anything,” he says, pulling me into his arms. “Not one thing, baby.”

Brad makes plans to pick up Riley the following morning, and then we’re back in the truck, headed for the airport, and the nerves settle in again. I’m not excited to be back here, where the worst moments of my life took place just hours ago, but when we arrive, I see my family’s jet waiting for us.Gallagher Resortsis written across the side, and even that is a comfort to me. I’m willing my brain not to think about anything that happened here last night.

I refuse to givehimany more real estate in my mind.

He’s gone. He’ll never get near me again. No more taunts. No more messages. No more touches.

Beck and Brad meet the grounds crew with our luggage so they can stow it inside the plane, and I thank Brad before I climb the stairs of the jet. I know that everyone’s already here waiting for us, but when I turn to look at all of the faces, tears form again.

Connor’s watching me through his glasses; he's so stoic and strong the way he always is.

Dani and Billie are grinning, almost dancing in their seats.

Beckett’s brothers look so solemn, and I feel Beckett behind me. His arms wrap around my shoulders as I find Mik’s gaze, and I smile at him. He’s holding Benji’s hand tightly.

“You are all right then, malishka?” he asks me.

With a nod, I skim my gaze over everyone here. “Yes. I’m fine and well, and grateful that you’re all here for this.”

“Look at this cool airplane!” Birdie exclaims, making us all laugh. “There are snacks and everything.”

“She’s never going to want to travel any other way,” Dani adds, brushing her hand over Birdie’s hair. Bridger leans in to kiss her temple.

“Let’s do this.” Beckett kisses my head.

“I love you all,” I say before anyone looks away from me. “Every single one of you is important to me, and it’s a lucky girl that I am that you’re all here with me.”

“There’s nowhere else we’d rather be,” Blake says with that devastating grin. “We’re proud of you, Skyla.”

My gaze finds Connor’s again, and he’s almost smiling now, which has me blinking in surprise.

“Let’s go,” he says, gesturing for us to sit. “My sister has a date with the king.”

ChapterThirty

BECKETT

“Again!”

I hate it when Mik yells at my girl like that. They’re rehearsing,again, and I’m standing off to the side, watching.

I haven’t made it a habit of hovering during the past few days of rehearsals here in London. In fact, I’ve spent most of my time with my family, doing the tourist thing, while Skyla and Mik work their asses off for tomorrow night’s performance. Earlier in the day, they’ll meet Their Majesties in a private reception.

Skyla’s still trying to get me to join them, and although the thought of meeting royalty gives me hives, I’d do pretty much anything she asked of me.

“Again, malishka!”

“For feck’s sake, Mik, stop tossing me around like that. It’s not me who’s messing this up.”

Good girl. Stand up for yourself, Irish.

I turn when I feel a hand on my shoulder and look into the same green eyes as Skyla’s.

“Mr. Gallagher,” I say with a nod.

“That’s Patrick to you,” he reminds me. “They’re going to be at this for a long while. Let’s go to the pub and have a drink.”

---