Page 62 of Brutal Truths

“Not even a little,” Pauly says. “Pretty sure he caught them and told Lane he’d better not be fucking around with his sister unless he was serious and intended to do right by her.”

That sounds like something he’d say.

Rising to his feet, Lane brushes his hands down his jeans. “He gave his blessing. Not that I needed it.” His attention settles on Kimber. “I knew the second I saw her that she was the one I’d never let go.”

“Possessive much?” A light, airy sigh escapes Kimber’s lips. “Aiden threatened to castrate him if he hurt me.”

I can see it so clearly, the details sharp and precise in my mind’s eye. Aiden has a side to him that wouldn’t let even his best mate fuck his sister over, even if she’s someone he’s just getting to know.

Kimber shifts on the ledge and narrows her eyes at me. “So, how did you and Aiden meet?”

“I was out with Jen. He was at the same pub. Heard me belt out a horrible song during karaoke. Looked at me with eyes that melted me from the inside.” My cheeks are burning, a fiery warmth spreading across my skin. “After we dropped Jen off, he spanked me for getting out of his truck after he ordered me not to move.”

“Well, then.” Kimber swallows and then fans herself with her shirt. “He sounds a lot like Lane. And since he’s my brother, I’m going to stop you right there before you make me throw up.”

My laugh catches me off guard. I didn’t think I’d find anything funny after reading my grandfather’s letter.

It doesn’t last.

The sound catches, twists, and suddenly I’m bent forward as tears take over. My emotions are all over the place, and thankfully, I don’t have to explain why.

This time, a soft hand lands on my back, offering a gentle pat. No words. No pressure. Just a quiet understanding.

I drag in a breath and force myself upright, wiping my face before I look over at her. “Sorry, I guess that just hit me wrong. How was your walk with Grams?”

“Very entertaining.” Kimber lets out a small, quiet snicker. “I bet she was a hoot when she was younger. Kept everyone on their toes.”

“She did.” I agree as my gaze drops to the other letter in my lap. “Where is she now?”

“Misty and she are watching a show. I’d be surprised if she makes it through. She seemed worn out after getting some fresh air. Bear insisted on sitting at her feet. He’s taken a real liking to her.” She acknowledges the letters in my hand. “You’ve got time to read those if that’s what you want to do. They look important.”

My thumb traces the seal, and I sigh. “It’s from my mother. She died when I was three… and I didn’t even know it existed until just a few moments ago.”

Looking behind me, I turn to Lane and Pauly. “Do you mind if I take these to my room? I think I’d like to read this one in private.”

Lane looks up from what he’s doing. “They’re yours. You can burn them if that’s what you want to do. You don’t need our permission.”

“That won’t be happening.” I wave my hand at the table where the gun once sat. “They might be able to help us sort this mess out.”

It’s no longer there. I’m guessing he put it away, along with the letter addressed to my grandmother.

“I’ll be back. If anything happens that I need to know about, come and get me. Especially if it involves Aiden.”

“You have my word,” Lane says as he puts on a headset, his face growing intense as he watches the screens in front of him.

I make my way down the hallway, slowing when I reach the sitting area. Grams is napping peacefully, her breath soft and steady. Misty and Wylan sit nearby, engrossed in a television program.

She looks so peaceful. As if the world isn’t crumbling in around us.

The urge to wake her tugs at me, to ask about Grandfather’s letter, to hear something, anything, that might make sense of it. But I push it down. Bringing him up will only upset her. She keeps asking when he’s coming to get her, and I don’t have the heart to tell her he never will.

I turn before I can change my mind. I need to do this now.

Inside my room, I close the door quietly behind me and move to the bed, sinking into the mattress as I pull the covers up to my chin. Tears well up in my eyes as I study the seal, knowing that it’s been this way for twenty-three years.

Taking a steady breath, I do what I’ve watched Antonio do countless times. I bend the letter until it snaps, the sound sharp in the quiet. Then I unfold the pages and stare at the handwritten words my mother wrote just for me.

Chapter 18