Page 117 of Twisted Redemption

“Everyone is going to be looking for you.”

“We can tell them we’re back together,” I blurt before realizing the possible repercussions of the words.

David stills. “Is that what you want? To be back together?”

I swallow. “I’m... I’m not sure, David. You want the best for me—I know that. And I’m sorry I’ve worried you.”

“Worried barely cuts it, my love.” His hand slides over the table and clasps mine. “I haven’t been able to sleep. You’ve consumed my every thought since I found out Blaze was staying with you.”

“I’m sorry,” I whisper.

He sighs, running his thumb over the back of my hand. “I want to trust you, Brooke. But how do I know you’re not going to go running to your friends for help?”

I blink. “Why would I run to them for help?”

He levels me with a disbelieving gaze. “I just drugged you and tied you up.”

I shake my head, laughing. “David. I know you didn’t want to. You did what you had to, to make sure I’d listen to what you had to say. You’re just trying to keep me safe. Although I would appreciate it if you didn’t tie me up again. It hurt.” I rub at my wrists.

His gaze softens, and tension I didn’t notice before leaves his shoulders. “I’m glad you can see that. All I care about is you, Brooke.”

“So you’ll let me go?” I sit up straighter at the hope spreading through me like warm, summer rays of sunlight.

“I don’t want them to take you away from me. Not again.”

I squeeze his hand. “We can show up right before the ceremony and leave right after, if that makes you more comfortable. And none of the guys should be there. Imani is my friend, not theirs.”

That seems to ease his nerves. Perfect.

Ever since they started dating, DeAndre has been adamant about keeping Imani safe. Life of a celebrity, I guess. I suggested Grayson Security to them a while ago. There’s no way they won’t be handling security at the wedding.

Blaze won’t be there, but if I can get to one of the guys and let them know what’s going on, then—

What if Blaze doesn’t care?

You left him. Again.

You think he’ll still want you after a betrayal that deep?

I clench my free hand under the table. I have to hope that he’ll still care. This is different, right? My plan was just to get some space, not to abandon him again.

“All right. We’ll go. But when I say it’s time to leave, we leave.”

I nod, my head bobbing up and down enthusiastically. “Yes, absolutely. Thank you, David.”

He leans forward and kisses my cheek. “Don’t make me regret this, my love.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

BLAZE

“YOU’RE GOING TO rehab, mother, and there isn’t a single thing you can say that will change my mind.” Alex’s voice is hard as he stands over Everly’s hospital bed.

“Alex,” she whines. “I’m fine, I—”

“Not. up. for. discussion.” He turns away to face me. “Any progress on finding my sister? You know, the one you weren’t supposed to let out of your goddamned sight?”

I shake my head. Instead of looking for Brooke, I’ve been staying with Everly until Alex could get to the hospital. It’s mid-afternoon, and I’ve sent Felix and Willow to all the places Brooke might go that she wouldn’t expect me to look.

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