Page 79 of Dearly Betrayed

“Kids,” she says with a sigh and gestures for a glass of wine. “I love them dearly, but sometimes I just wish they’d be quiet and sleep.”

“I hear that’s a common problem.”

She snorts as her glass comes and takes a long sip. “Adler’s a great father. Have I ever told you that? He’s caring and present and not afraid to get his hands dirty.”

“Doesn’t surprise me. He loves those kids more than anything.”

“Sometimes I wish he was around more often. That’s my only complaint. He works too much, and I wonder if he’s missing too much, you know what I mean?”

“I guess so. But Adler’s the Don.” I don’t add:you knew what you were getting into. Which probably isn’t even true.

“I know. Big, important Don, but to me he’s just Adler.”

“He’s just Adler to me too. My annoying older brother.”

“There’s a lot I wish I could do different, you know? Regrets are awful.”

I sip my drink, eyeing her warily. “I hope this isn’t going where I think it’s going.”

“You’re in love with Fallon. No, don’t argue with me, it’s so obvious.”

I stare at her and say nothing.

Because she’s absolutely right. I am very much in love with Fallon.

Only problem is she betrayed me, and it’s like a wound in my guts.

“What’s your point?” I say slowly.

“You’ll regret this,” she says with a shrug and sips her wine. “That’s what I’m trying to say.”

I clench my jaw. I want to say I already regret this, but the moment I let those words bubble out of my throat is the moment I’ve completely lost myself.

Because it’s true. I regret all of this.

I regret letting Fallon into my life. I regret giving her a chance. I regret the incredible attraction that made me risk everything to get a taste of her. I regret bringing her into my bed, treating her like my wife, letting myself tumble into the black pits of her heart.

I regret falling in love.

“There’s nothing I can do about it now. She made her choice.” I hunch over the drink. I wish Casey would leave me the fuck alone and let me stew.

What would Jackson say if he were around?Plenty of pussy in the sea, bro. Something stupid like that, something to make me laugh.

He’s gone, and the only good thing to come of his death is gone too.

“Talk to her,” Casey says. “I came straight down here from her room and I really think you should talk to her.”

“How is she?” I grimace as the question tumbles from my lips.

Casey smiles. “I didn’t think you cared.”

“We both know I fucking care.”

“She’s fine. Tired, scared, and very sad, but she’s fine.”

“I hate that she’s up there alone.”

“You could always go talk to her.”

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