Page 104 of Her Ex-Husband's Brother

August is dragging his hands through his hair and looking a little frantic, so I grab his hands and hold them in mine, squeezing again. In part it’s just another excuse to touch him.

“Iknow, August. You know I know how he works. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

He lets out a big, pent-up breath, nodding in relief at being believed.

That hits hard, real, real deep. Because god I know what that feels like. For the first time to have someone backing up that youaren’tcrazy. That what you’re experiencing at the hands of this other person is real.

“We both know how he operates. And we also know he wouldn’t stop until he’s twisted things so that you don’t have access to your ownson.”

August was nodding but suddenly he freezes, his gaze shooting to mine. “Oh no. Lennon. What did you do? You said you made a deal. What does that mean?”

I let his hands go again, crossing my arms over my chest, if only to stop myself from touching him.

“It’s just temporary until you’re totally out of the woods with this.”

“Lennon. Tell me.”

“I’m going back for a little while. Just so he can save face and look like the big man at church.” I shrug but August’s face immediately drains of color and his head starts moving the other direction, shaking.

“No. No, Lennon, you can’t?—”

“Your son is only four,” I cut him off. “These are formative years where he needs you. So you’regoingto let me do this. Actually, no man will everletme do anything again. I’m sorry if that’s frustrating for you. But I’m doing this, and informing you right now that I’m doing it.”

He opens his mouth, then closes it, exhales harshly and swings his head around to glare out the window, his whole body vibrating with an anger I understand. I really, really do.

“It’s notsafe,” he bites out, and then his head swings back around to me. “Look what he did to me, Len. He’s dangerous.”

I wave a hand. “He’s not dangerous?—”

“Don’t underestimate him. I was literally held against my own will for the last seventy-two hours. He’s more dangerous than you think.”

I gentle my tone. “All I mean is that he’s notphysicallyabusive. He’s manipulative, and yes, I agree, in that way, dangerous.” I wait until August’s darting eyes meet mine andhold his gaze. “But he’s also not as smart as he thinks he is. And we know his game now. We’re not alone anymore. We have each other.”

August swallows hard and his jaw clenches. “You were right not to want to get involved with me. I hate that you got brought into this.”

“No, August— I?—”

But what am I going to say?

That I was just scared of labels, but I think I could spend the rest of my life happy with him, when I’ve just sworn to Jake I’ll forget August ever existed?

Still, I can’t help lifting a hand towards his cheek, hovering and withdrawing it before touching.

He grabs it midair and pulls it to cup his cheek, eyes closing and collapsing against my hand.

I’m suddenly choked with tears at seeing how desperate he is for comfort. Why the fuck have I been wasting this car ride keeping my distance? Fuck Jake.

I pull him into my arms in a fierce hug and he collapses against my stomach, wrapping his arms furiously around my waist.

I’m not sure if he’s crying, or just heaving for breath after facing his worst nightmare the last three days and nights. I imagine him in the dark of that place, everything unfamiliar and terrifying, not knowing what was going to happen—plus knowing his brother was able to exercise control over his life and freedom just like he always could.

I rub his back and squeeze his shoulders, wanting him to feel every ounce of my affection in a tangible way for the rest of the short time we have together.

All too soon, the car pulls to a stop in the RV parking lot.

August sits up, his head shaking no. “I can’t let you go back to him. He’s a monster. You don’t know what he’s capable of?—”

“Give me your phone,” I say quickly, panicking even as I’m trying to project calm for his sake.