AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He was undeterred. “I’m not as good as you, but I swear on everything I am you’ll spend as little time as possible in a cell.”
My stomach bottomed out. Sure, I was currently on a stool with my hands locked behind my back. Somehow, I hadn’t managed to think past that. About actually spending time in jail.
“I can’t go to jail.”
He squeezed his eyes shut.
I can’t. I can’t. I can’t.
I’d promised myself I’d never end up like my parents. Never. Now the only part of that promise I’d kept was I hadn’t touched any kind of drug. It would’ve been so easy to fall into that life. I could’ve picked up where they left off. Made a comfortable living for Eric and me.
But I’d have wound up in prison like them and Eric would’ve been alone. That was reason enough not to follow in their footsteps.Notthat I’d ever considered it.
A swirl of panic threatened to sweep me away.
Focus, Lexie. Stay calm.
Warm fingers caressed my cheek. I needed to put my arms around Lincoln, to feel his strength and safety around me . . . but I couldn’t have that one simple desire.
“I’m scared, sis.”
Eric’s terrified voice ripped me to shreds. He stood close and put his head on my shoulder.
The words of comfort didn’t come. Only simple honesty.
“Me too.”
“I should call Zegas.” Lincoln tugged on his hair. “I should’ve already called him.”
I shot my leg out, since my hands were bound, with a little more force than I meant. “Sorry.” I winced, but he barely seemed to notice where I’d kicked him. That intense gaze was solely on me. “Don’t beat yourself up. None of us saw this coming. If anyone should have, that would've been me.”
“Now isn’t the time for the blame game.”
I gently kicked him again. “That’s what I was trying to say.” I didn’t want him to be down on himself, and since my hand use was limited, I’d resorted to my legs. A kick to the shin probably wasn’t as effective as a pat on the arm.
He held up his phone. “I won’t be long.”
Staylodged in my throat.
With every step away he took, my anxiety ramped up another notch. I hadn’t needed anyone in a long time. I’d prided myself on being self-sufficient and independent. I was aware that I’d grown attached to having Lincoln in our lives despite how I’d wanted it not to happen.
He’d become the person I wanted with me in times of trouble.
And in good times too.
I swallowed hard.
That thought sounded an awful lot like a vow . . . one I never thought I’d take.
“You might have to stay with Beau for a while until we can get this figured out,” I said quietly.
“Where are you going?”
I leaned my head against his. “I’m not sure.”
“Why can’t you stay with Beau too?”
My heart twisted. Eric depended on me, and I’d let him down.
