Page 72 of Concede

Voices start chattering behind me and I see Dani and Mom on the porch with Tanner. Great, an audience.

“You didn’t claim her to protect her, did you?” He asks with a tight set jaw.

“Dom, I’m just going to be straight with you. I’m in love with your sister and I have been since the first time I saw her.”

When the words leave my lips his fist slams into my jaw. “She was seventeen and in high school!” He shouts. He charges me and tackles me to the ground. “How long have you been fucking her behind my back?” He growled as we wrestle each other.

I can hear Tanner begging him to stop in the background.

I push him off and duck when he swings again.

“Dom, let me explain.”

He swings again and as much as I don’t want to do this, I throw a punch and catch him on the chin.

I regain my footing and grip my jaw. The blood is pooling in my mouth, so I spit a hunk on the grass. “I never touched her until she was eighteen and graduated.” I feel out of breath as I try to plead my case. “Dom, I’m sorry…...but, fuck.” I toss my hands up. “I love her.”

He closes his eyes as blood trickles from his lip. Tanner walks up next to me. “Travis,” she says calmly.

He opens them, his eyes a hint softer than before.

“I’m sorry, but I love him too.” She reaches for my hand and squeezes.

“You are two of the most important people in my life.” He leans his head back and sighs. “I’m not mad about you being together. If you really love her Maverick, If that’s what makes you happy, I will support you both. What I’m upset about is that you both lied to me. You couldn’t even come talk to me? Tell me the truth?”

I hear Dani scoff and she flings open the door to go back inside. I guess everyone’s on edge this morning.

“Dom, you know we love you man, we didn’t do it on purpose it’s just…...”

“Happened.” Tanner finishes for me.

She walks over and hugs her brother. “Can you forgive us?”

“I can forgive Tanner, but I’m still pissed. Just give me a little time and I'll be fine.”

She smiles and turns to go back to the house.

“Y’all play nice,” she says over her shoulder.

We both give questioning glances at each other. My best friend finally takes a step towards me and holds out his hand. I take it and we pull in for a brotherly hug.

“I know you’ll take care of her,” he says as he slaps a hand on my shoulder. “But just know, you hurt her in any way…...I’ll fucking kill you.”

Then he saunters into the house.

Glad that’s over with.

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