Page 47 of Affair
That was the truth.
Because Gene didn’t want her to worry, he reached over and put his hand on Elizabeth’s leg. They’d built a bond so deep and strong that he knew leaving was never an option. What he felt for Ethan was titanium, but what he felt for her was just as important to him.
Did he lust after her?
No.
Did he love her more than words would ever be able to convey?
Yes.
The bottom line for Gene was that Ethan was the love of his life, and he finally had him back.
There was no way he was risking that.
AGAIN.
As for the woman beside him, Elizabeth was the safe place where that love flourished. She protected them, and in exchange, he wanted to do the same for her and the family.
The bottom line was that he needed to prove to them that he deserved to be in the family, and by cutting ties here, permanently, he could do just that.
“Have you changed your mind about us?” she asked, knowing someone had to go there. “Since yesterday, you have been quiet, and that’s terrifying.”
Oh, he understood that.
Only, he was worried about something different. What if Ethan was done with all of this nonsense? After the David Neives insanity, and now this?
What if he was just over him?
Because he needed to trust in someone with all of his fears and terror, he went there.
“I’ve been thinking about this, and Tommy.”
She let him take his time.
This was likely the most important decision he’d ever make.
“I hate him,” he said, finally getting it out. “The second he threatened Ethan, he was dead to me. Before, I would have played nice—to keep the peace. I don’t care what he says about me, but I won’t let him hurt my family. When I see him, I’m afraid I’m going to wrap my hands around his throat and throttle him.”
His admission immediately calmed her nerves.
Someone was invested in the relationship, and that was all they wanted for their family.
Gene wasn’t done.
“If he hurts Ethan, I’ll take him out myself. I’ll need an alibi, a shovel, and some privately owned land somewhere. I’m not playing around. I didn’t protect Ethan when I chose to leave him, and I’ll never make that mistake again.”
Elizabeth believed him.
That was the reassurance she needed. Because he looked rattled too, she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.
“Don’t worry, Gene. I’ll be your ride or die. I’ll get us some shovels—or better yet, I’ll get us some Spiders.”
Why wasn’t he surprised?
Because he loved her, he dropped his arm over her shoulders, and kissed her on the temple.
For him, now, there was no doubt what he needed to do.
