Page 111 of Bragg's Christmas

Miller grins. “Do I get to punch him every time he avoids a question?”

“You’re not punching me!”

He leans close and gets in my face. “Tell us the truth or Iwillpunch you.”

“I thought I loved her.” I throw my hands in the air. “Okay. There. Are you satisfied?”

“And why don’t you think you love her anymore?”

“Because she’s a lying, manipulative bitch,” I snarl.

Elder hands me another shot glass. I don’t bother fighting him about it this time.

“My turn,” Miller declares. “Why do you think she’s a lying, manipulative bitch?”

“I don’t think it. I know it.” He cocks his brow. “I saw her, okay?”

Elder places another shot glass in my hand.

Riley nudges the shot glass. “Saw her what?”

I hang my head. “Saw her kissing some other guy.”

“What guy?” Brody asks.

“Some guy at her house. I didn’t stop to ask his name.”

“Raise your hand if you think the guy Damon is referring to is the same guy Love is at the police station reporting for assaulting her?” Riley asks and everyone raises their hand.

“Assault? What are you talking about? I saw them. They were kissing.”

“No,” Miller growls. “You sawhimkissingher. Without her permission.”

“Shit.” I surge to my feet. I have to grasp the back of the sofa to stop myself from keeling over. “Why didn’t you tell me this right away?”

“Because you would have gone off half-cocked,” Brody says.

“Now you’re too drunk to cock,” Riley adds.

“Why do you think Peace isn’t here?” Elder asks. “He’s trying to catch the guy.”

What? I’m having a hard time following this discussion. “He’s trying to catch the guy? The police are after him?”

“Damn straight they are. If a man forces himself on a woman, the police should be involved. Although,” Miller’s grin is downright scary, “I wish she would have come to us first. I wouldn’t mind punching the asshole in the face.”

“I need to get to Love.” I try weaving my way through my brothers but they form a circle around me.

Miller pushes me back onto the couch. “You’re not going anywhere.”

“But Love’s alone and scared and I just abandoned her.” I should be with her. I should be holding her.

“She’s not alone,” Riley claims.

“How do you know?”

He sighs. “He’s really not getting this whole small town thing.”

Brody shrugs. “He’ll figure it out. Eventually.”

---