Page 29 of Twist of Fate

“It’s important for your health to get away every now and then, Kincaid.”

“Spare me, Dr. Phil.” More laughter filled the air and Wyatt couldn’t help but smile.

“So tell me why the fuck you’re calling me this early on a Sunday, and don’t say it’s because you miss this gorgeous face of mine.”

Wyatt’s expression hardened. “I need your help, Ben.”

Whatever Ben heard in Wyatt’s tone caused his smile to vanish. “Tell me.”

Wyatt gave him the short version of Beth’s situation, and by the time he was done telling the story Ben cursed. “So this abusive motherfucker is a lawyer?”

“Yeah. And of course the law firm’s website paints him as a saint. Looks like he’s on track to become partner.”

Ben’s face darkened. “I bet they know exactly what this asshole’s like and keep him because he brings the money in.”

“No doubt.”

“Is your woman okay?”

“She’s…not my woman.” Except that felt like a lie, somehow.

“She’s not?” The raised eyebrow told Wyatt Ben wasn’t buying it for a moment.

“We’ve only known each other for a month.”

“But you’re banging her.”

Wyatt debated how much to share with the other man, but realized he could use a friendly ear to talk to. “We slept together for the first time last night, although we’ve fooled around a little before. It’s new.”

Ben cocked his head. “But you feel something for her. Something strong.”

Wyatt considered denying it but didn’t want to lie. “Yeah. She’s…different. Special.”

“I’m happy for you, brother. You deserve a special woman in your life. Tell me about her.”

He did. Wyatt shared everything he loved about Beth, from the gentleness about her to her eagerness to learn things to the way she had somehow remained hopeful about life, despite her situation. He also admitted he hated how frightened she was about the asshole she’d been with hunting her down and would do anything to protect her.

And it frightened him, just a little, to realize how much he meant that. He would put her ex in the ground if it meant she could start her life over without constantly looking over her shoulder.

“Wow, she sounds amazing.” Ben looked suitably impressed. “She have any sisters?”

Despite the situation, Wyatt laughed. “No, you fucker.”

“My loss. Okay, give me a little time and I’ll do some digging. You think he’s coming for her?”

“I think it’s a strong possibility.” He hated to admit that but had to be honest with his friend.

Ben’s expression was like thunder. “Men who abuse women need to have their balls cut off.”

“Agreed. I want to know exactly what I’m dealing with here, so I can prepare.”

“Got it. I’ll be in touch when I have some news. Take care of yourself, brother. Enjoy your woman. Give her a big, sloppy kiss from me.” He licked his lips and pursed them at Wyatt, who gave him the finger and ended the chat after murmuring his thanks.

He sipped his coffee as he thought. Maybe there was light at the end of the tunnel after all. Maybe his future did include the beautiful blonde currently asleep in his bed.

Wyatt decided to go for a run to clear his mind before she woke. He got changed and headed out the front door, Freya loyally by his side. As he started to run, long-buried thoughts entered his mind uninvited. He put one foot in front of the other and kept running, trying to shake them loose. Kept pushing himself, even when he was exhausted and aching and covered in sweat. But the pain reminded him he was still alive. Still breathing.

Something the rest of his team was not.

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