Page 72 of Girl Going Nowhere

She stops to look at me.

I wet my lips with my tongue. “I’m sorry. For being a dick. For everything. My brother is the reason why those pictures were published. Well, his agent was. She wanted to give him the upper hand against Dover.”

She’s silent, processing.

“I don’t approve of it,” I add, as if that matters. “What’s done is done. He wasn’t right for allowing it to happen, but he did make sure your name stayed out of it.”

Blowing out a breath, she nods. “I guess that makes sense.”

Throat bobbing, I admit, “I don’t really have anybody outside of you three. My parents are shit, and most of my family distanced themselves when they saw what a mess our life was. Rafael fucked up, but…”

“He’s your brother,” she finishes for me.

I dip my chin in acknowledgment.

“I don’t want him around,” she informs me.

I nod in understanding. “He won’t be.”

She pecks Maia’s head. “Thank you for telling me. And for paying my lawyer.”

How did she know?

“Sabrina,” she answers without me having to ask. “I asked who paid her because I didn’t believe it wasn’t Finn. So, I appreciate it. It’s going to help me and Maia.”

My eyes go to the little girl, but it’s not her I’m thinking of. “It’s not only you two I did it for.”

Half of Blake’s lips tilt up. “I know. You should tell him that. He’s a good guy, Dante. You both are. Don’t let your past get in the way of your future. Trust me, you’ll never be happy if you do.”

Before I can reply, she walks into her room and closes the door behind her.

Pulling my phone out, I send one text.

Me:I’m not going to forgive you right away for the things you did or said, but I’m willing to look past it if you can prove to me you’re not going to use me or my life to your benefit ever again. If that’s too much for you, then you can fuck right off along with the rest of my family

I don’t expect a reply right away, so when I see him typing after only a minute, I stand to full height with nervous anticipation.

Raf:I’m sorry for what I said. If you’re willing to give me another shot, I’ll take it

Me:You only get one. And you’re not allowed around Blake or the guys anymore

Raf:Not even Finn? If he’s important to you, I imagine I’ll see him around from time to time

He’s accepting it.

Me.

Me:We’ll see

CHAPTER THIRTY

Brodie

Finn is sippinga cup of coffee when I walk into the kitchen, looking over the newspaper like some sixty-five-year-old retiree with nothing better to do. His glasses are even at the tip of his nose, like how my grandpa used to wear them.

“Are you reading the coupon section for senior discounts, old man?” I joke, knocking him on the shoulder as I pass him the coffee pot.

I hear the paper crinkle in his hold, but silence otherwise from him.

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