Page 104 of No Apologies
Cash had been quiet for a long while but he spoke up suddenly, “That’s why you left and why you haven’t gone to see them since you came back.”
“I can’t.”
“I’ve been taking care of her for years. I fought Colt when he said she wasn’t as bad as Decker.” Cash winced, “I was wrong.”
“You didn’t know.” Remy raised his head.
“But you do now.” Colt met his twin’s gaze and knew what would come next without needing words.
They were done. Finally. No going back to believing Chrissy was somehow less responsible or less guilty for their abusive childhoods.
For the first time, possibly ever, all three of them were in complete agreement. As far as they were concerned they no longer had parents. All they had were the memories of the devils that had tried and failed to ruin them. And each other.
They were all silent for a long time, processing the horrible truths of what had been admitted today. When someone spoke, he was shocked that it was Remy. More surprised was what he had to say because after that emotional confession, Colt had all but forgotten the other reason Cash had dragged him out here to talk to their brother.
“Whatever reason you’re telling yourself you have for being mad at Skylar, let it go.” He met Colt’s gaze and held it, “That girl loves you and she wanted to protect you however she could.”
Skylar. God, just her name made his chest hurt. He wanted, needed, to go back and talk to her, explain why he’d been so upset and figure out a way to work through it, but mostly he just wanted to touch her, hold her, kiss her. He missed her.
“She was fierce, man.” Remy continued, “I wish you could’ve seen the way she stood up to Link. She slapped him. Did you know that? Just walked right up to him and slapped the living hell out of him, yelled at him that it was his fault you were hurt and he damn well better fix you.”
He gaped at that. No, nobody had told him she slapped Lincoln. And Jesus, what had she been thinking doing something like that? It was crazy. Nobody dared lash out at Lincoln but apparently his girl had and she’d not only lived to tell the tale but had gotten what she wanted out of him too.
“She’s incredible. Strong and smart. Hell, after seeing her handle Lincoln I thinkI’mhalf in love with her.”
He growled at that and Remy smirked.
“Yeah, still possessive as hell.”
“Was there a point other than telling me my girl is amazing?” He scowled at his brother.
“Yeah, there was. She loves you and she wants to take care of you. We all know how truly rare that is in this world. So if it’s your pride that’s hurt because she had the money and you didn’t or if it’s just your subconscious telling you that you’re not good enough for her, get the fuck over it little brother.” Remy gave a sad smile, “You should’ve been protected from the start. Our parents let you down. I let you down. But she never has so don’t take it out on her.”
Colt nodded because he knew he couldn’t argue. Skylar hadn’t deserved his anger. He’d always thought of her as his angel and she’d saved him when he couldn’t save himself. It hurt to hear some of what she’d said but that didn’t make it any less true.
Even when he’d walked out of her apartment earlier he’d known that there was no way he would choose anything that made him lose her. He would need some time to wrap his head around her putting herself in danger but he would always choose her. He loved her.
“Remy.” He cleared his throat, “I’m glad you came home.”
“You’re just glad you’re not the most fucked up brother anymore.”
“That too.” He chuckled because he was mostly thankful Remy could still joke after what he’d told them tonight, “Do you… Do you think you’re gonna stay in town?”
Remy hesitated, “Do you want me to stay?”
“Yes.” Cash answered immediately.
“Yeah.” He agreed.
“Then I’ll stay as long as you want me here.”
Colt managed a small smile, “Then you better buy some furniture bro because I think that’s gonna be a good long while.”
