Page 60 of Heart Sick Hate

“Crew and I aren’t anything.”

At least, nothing more than sex. My body’s reaction to him doesn’t mean I’m dumb enough to believe Crew Kingsley is capable of caring about me on a deeper level.

“Keep reminding yourself of that, Echo.” Rhett’s gaze locks on mine. “Because Angelina, Crew—they change nothing.”

“I’m aware.” I shuffle in my seat. “I’m not backing out.”

“I know you won’t. You’re smart.” He shifts and his face winces from the pain of his wound.

I reach forward and help him adjust his pillow.

“Thanks.” He sits back, and I do the same.

Rhett and I rarely spend time together, much less alone. And when we have, it’s brief with little conversation. It’s the opposite of whatever this is as we stare at each other now. The same oblivion in his eyes I spotted at Jude and Fel’s apartment is once more present. We’re both in this black hole and sinking.

“Do you care about her?” I ask, pretty sure we’re past the point of pretending it’s awkward.

“Not enough to make the wrong decision.” His gaze drops to where my hands are twisting in my lap. “And you’d be wise to make sure you keep yours the same.”

“You don’t have to worry about that.” I roll my eyes, leaning forward now and shaking my head. “But you aren’t upset? Even if he’s your brother?”

“Crew is Crew.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Yes,Crew is Crew, that’s the whole problem. He’s unpredictable and sometimes downright mean. But for some reason, after last night, it hurts to hear Rhett validate it.

“Echo, I know my brother better than he gives me credit for. If you’re looking for a good man, he’s not it. And any bit of interest isn’t what you think it is.”

My stomach sinks. “Then what is it?”

“Crew doesn’t get attached. At least, not for the long haul. He’s like our father, interested in whatever serves his purpose. Chasing his obsessions and then dropping them the moment he’s disinterested. Crew does whatever amuses him in any given moment, and it doesn’t matter who gets in his crosshairs. Not even you.”

“Maybe you don’t give him enough credit.”

“Or you give him too much.” Rhett lifts an eyebrow. “When did Crew start showing interest? Be honest with yourself, when was the first time you saw him actually pretend to care?”

I swallow at the lump in my throat, but nothing can dislodge it. “Six months ago.”

At least, that’s when something shifted. His teasing became more frequent, and he found ways to be around me more often. I didn’t think much of it until he said he hadn’t been with anyone in the past six months, but once he did, the wheels started turning. He tried to act like nothing has changed. He maintained a facade for the guys at the shop, but there was no real confirmation hewas doing anything with anyone, except for what he was telling us.

Six months ago, something changed, and that’s when Rhett became my boyfriend.

“Exactly, when we started dating.”

“So you’re saying he only wants me right now because I’m with you?”

Rhett shrugs, but the hint of smugness is enough of an answer. “You and I both know this only ends one of two ways. We can chase our fantasies and walk out of this with nothing, or we can do what we always intended, build an empire.”

I don’t care about the empire, just the safety of it. The certainty and security of building a solid foundation with someone when I spent most of my life without one. Whether I like Rhett as more than a friend or not, he’ll be a partner to me, and he won’t hurt me.

“I made you a promise, Echo. This might have started with a deal over a heart, but it doesn’t matter. All that does is that we’re in this together now. And I’ll always be here for you.”

“And how do you justify what we’re doing with God?” It’s the one question I’ve never dared ask him because it felt like stepping over a line. But I have a right to know if we’re going to be this open with each other.

Rhett’s a man of faith on the outside, but underneath is murkier.

“I don’t have to justify anything.” Rhett schools his expression. “God accepts. God forgives. God loves. Andthat’s why I’m in this hospital bed because not everyone understands that yet. But they will.”

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