“Please—”
I hold up a hand.
“No.”
He shuts up immediately.
“See, that's your problem, Joel.”
I point toward Mary.
“You spent your whole life thinking you were entitled to anything you wanted. You made people do your bidding by using your clout, making them afraid of you.”
My voice drops.
“But you should've been afraid of her.”
He looks confused.
I smile.
“Because Mary had the balls to say no. She stood up to you. And she was never alone.”
I glance back at Mary.
My beautiful Firecracker.
Still standing.
Still strong.
Still refusing to bend.
And Christ.
I love this woman.
I really fucking do.
“So here's what's gonna happen.”
I point to the door.
“You're leaving.”
“Montego—”
“You're leaving.”
“Ego!” I call.
My brother appears instantly.
Grinning like Christmas came early.
“Escort Mr. Jonas out.”
Ego cracks his knuckles.
