by E. L. Todd
“I was just frustrated that you weren’t cooperating,” I said immediately. “I was letting my anger get to me. I’m sorry. I mean it.”
“I hope you feel like shit,” she spat. “I told you Mike was the father.”
“That still doesn’t mean you didn’t sleep with Zander.” Fuck. Why did I say that?”
Scarlet sighed, cringing.
“Fuck you.” Her eyes burned with a raging fire. “You’re one to talk, asshole. You treated Scarlet like shit for the entire beginning of your relationship, and yet, I’m the one being questioned? Why would I lie? Mike would still be with me even if I had slept with Zander. It makes no sense to hide it from him.”
“Because he hates Zander,” I said simply.
“You should just let your lawyer talk for you,” she hissed. “Because you clearly don’t know what to say.”
Mike kept his hand on her arm, holding her in place.
“Cassandra, I’m sorry.” I said it with as much conviction as possible. “My brother has never been happier in his life, and that alone is enough to make me love you. He’s a completely different person, finally finding his place in life. I’m so thankful you’re a part of our family and whipped my brother into becoming a man. Of course I care about you. This just got out of hand.”
She shook her head. “I gave you the opportunity to back off. I told you if you pressured me, there would be hell to pay. You accepted those consequences when you went through with it.”
“Compassion,” Scarlet said gently. “Please show him some compassion. He only wanted to protect Mike.”
“He doesn’t need to be protected from me,” she shrieked. “I messed up one time and that’s going to haunt me forever? I can’t be trusted now? I’m certainly not a liar. I’ve never been nor will I ever be. I love Mike with my whole heart and would never hurt him. How can I have a man that doesn’t believe me be his best man?”
“I’m sorry.” I felt the pain deep inside my chest. “I’m sorry. Please don’t take my brother away from me.”
“I’m not taking him away.” Cassandra still had the fire in her eyes. “He made this decision on his own. I didn’t ask him to do anything.”
That’s what I feared. I looked at him, the sadness in my eyes. “Come on, Mike. I said I was sorry.”
He shook his head. “You went behind my back, Sean. I said I didn’t want the test and you did it anyway. I would have preferred it if you beat me to a pulp until I changed my mind, or even tattled on me to dad. But to corner my fiancé is unacceptable. You know the women are always off limits.” He looked at Scarlet then back at me. “I risked my life to protect your girl. I was scared shitless and was almost shot. But I did that for you—because you’re my brother. So, in response, you corner my girl and coerce her into doing something we both didn’t want? Wrong. It’s just wrong.”
I would never be forgiven for this. It was too horrible. I just wanted to crawl in a ball and die.
“We all make mistakes,” Scarlet said gently. “The important thing is, Sean was trying to look after you.”
“You think that justifies it?” Mike asked incredulously. “No. It fucking doesn’t. I don’t want him to stand beside me on my wedding day. He certainly wasn’t next to me when he was sneaking behind me.”
That burned a hole in my heart.
Scarlet became more aggressive. “Mike, I know you’re upset with Sean and you’re entitled to be. But this is your wedding day. You’re only going to do this once. Don’t kick him out.”
“Why do you even care?” Mike asked. “Why do you want to be my best man when you don’t even like my fiancé?”
“I do like her,” I said immediately. “I like her a lot. When you broke up, I was devastated. I didn’t want that for either of you. I just had to make sure she was the right person for you.”
“You remind me of Mom,” he said darkly. “You acted just like her.”
I didn’t challenge the claim. Arguing wouldn’t get me anywhere. “Mike, I love you. Please don’t push me away.” I knew I sounded like a girl, practically whining, but I didn’t want to lose him. He would push me away now, and it would only get worse as the years passed. He would be resentful toward me, and the mile between us would feel like an ocean.
Mike held my gaze before he finally looked away. “I just need space right now…”
Scarlet turned to Cassandra. “Am I still your maid of honor?”
“Of course.” Her eyes softened. “That wouldn’t change.”
She nodded. “Then please reconsider your anger. Please forgive my husband. Please don’t rip them apart.”
Cassandra sighed then looked down. “I’m not stopping Mike from being close with his brother. I’m not intervening in any way.”
Scarlet turned to Mike. “Sean apologized and he meant it. Let’s just move on and be a family. Don’t throw away all the good times for the bumpy ones.”
“Bumpy?” Mike asked with a laugh. “You think this is bumpy? No, this is a betrayal.”
Scarlet gave me a sympathetic look before she turned back to Mike. “Nothing in life is more important than family. You forgave your mom for her behavior, now forgive Sean.”
“He doesn’t have a fucking tumor in his head,” Mike snapped. He walked to the door then opened it. “Now get the fuck out.”
Scarlet sighed then gave up. “Have a good night.” She took my hand and pulled me out the door. I was numb, dying. “We’ll figure it out, Sean.”
Mike slammed the door as soon as we were on the other side. The sound echoed in my mind. Unable to drive, I handed the keys to Scarlet and let her drive me home.
8
Mike
Sean didn’t come to work the next day. I knew he was hurting, but I was surprised he was upset enough not to show up. Maybe I was overreacting, but I felt entitled to be pissed. He crossed a line he could never uncross. He could do whatever he wanted to me, but to go behind my back and corner my woman like a dog was unacceptable. I could forgive anything and move on, but Cassandra was an exception. My love for her had it’s own category.
When I tried to concentrate on my paperwork, I kept thinking about my brother and the depressed look in his eye. I could tell he really felt like shit for what he did. But I was still pissed about it. Could I just let it go that easily?
I knew my parents would be upset if they knew I kicked Sean out of the wedding. I’m surprised Sean didn’t run to Dad and immediately tattle on me. For once, he was trying to settle things without bringing him in.
I checked on Cassandra every two hours because I was psycho like that. Even though Scarlet was close by, I still liked to check on her. I had a state-of-the-art alarm system installed in our house, but until I had a moot and a cavalry of guards, I would never stop worrying.
She needed a car. I would leave mine there if I could, but I needed to get to work. I’d have to buy her something big and safe. Maybe a hummer? I don’t know. Something she could put our kids in.
I waited for Zander to stop by and confront me again but he never did. But right before I left work, he showed up.
I was about to rip his throat out then toss his body out the window. This fucker was playing games with me and I didn’t see why. Nothing he said or lied about would get me to walk away from my fiancé. She was mine. Mine.
“What?” I barked at him.
“I want the paternity test.”
If we weren’t at work… “She took it and it said I’m the father, not that I felt the concern to check. You can go.”
He didn’t move. “I want proof.”
“Drop the act,” I snapped. “I know you didn’t sleep with her.”
“Maybe that’s what she said to you.”
I took the copy of the test I got from Cassandra and threw it at him. “There. Now go.”
He barely looked at it before anger spread into his face. “She still slept with me when you were apart. And she lied about it.”
“And you’re lying to me,” I sai
d through clenched teeth.
“No.”
I didn’t have time for this. “Get the hell out of my office.”
“You’re still going to marry her?” he asked incredulously.
“Get out or I’ll throw you out.”
His eyes narrowed in hatred before he tossed the results on the ground. He marched out, his shoulders tense and his arms swinging. He was an idiot for ever thinking that stupid plan would ever work. Nothing would stop me from marrying the love of my life.
When I got home that night, Cassandra had dinner on the stove. She wore a loose dress that showed her bulging stomach. Her hair was braided and over one shoulder.
It was everything I dreamed of.
“Hey, baby.” I came to her and gave her a deep kiss, my hands moving to her stomach.
She responded to me immediately, her hands moving to my chest. “I’m glad you’re home. I missed you.”
I smirked. “You did?”
She smiled. “I always miss you.”
“Good. That’s what I want to hear.”
She kissed the corner of my mouth, giving me chills. “How was your day?”
I immediately thought of Zander. “Fine.”
She sensed my irritation. “What happened?”
I didn’t want to talk about it. It wasn’t worth discussing. “I’ve just been thinking about my brother.”
Her hands glided to my shoulders then rubbed the muscle gently. “And what were you thinking?”
“I don’t know. He seemed sincere when he apologized…”
Cassandra continued to rub me but didn’t say anything.
“I’m just…so pissed at him but I feel bad for him at the same time.”
“Then ask him to be your best man again.”
I sighed. “But I know you don’t like him.”
“So?” she asked. “He’s still your brother, Mike. You can’t cut someone out of your life just because your fiancé doesn’t like him. Women come and go but he’s your family.”
“You don’t just come and go,” I said darkly.
“You know what I mean,” she said gently. “Whatever you want, I’ll support. Maybe we’ll reconnect down the road at some point. But I don’t want you to push him away just because of me. Do what you want.”
“I don’t know what I want,” I whispered. “I’m so confused.”
“Then take your time,” she said. “We still have a few days.”
I pressed my lips to her forehead and let them rest there for a moment, cherishing the goddess in my arms. I never thought I’d come home to a drop-dead gorgeous woman carrying my baby. I never thought I’d be this happy. It was hard to stay mad in light of that.
She pulled away. “Now wash up and get ready for dinner.” She slapped my ass playfully.
“Yes, boss.” I gave her a grin, loving that fiery attitude. “Just let me set the alarm.” I was always in a hurry to see my woman when I got home so I forgot to arm it. I headed to the door but froze when I saw three men wearing black sprinting to the door.
The room fell completely silent as my body suddenly tensed in defense. I had merely a second to react, to do something before they crashed through the door. I didn’t know if they were robbers or serial killers. It didn’t matter.
“Cassandra!”
She dropped the pot because I yelled so loud. “What?”
I grabbed her arm and yanked her upstairs. “Run.”
“What—“
“Just run!” I pushed her up the stairs, guarding the rear. I heard the door crash from behind me, sending glass everywhere.
She picked up speed then dashed up the stairs. I came behind her, pushing her so she wouldn’t slow down. We got into the bedroom then I slammed the door and locked it.
Cassandra panicked. “Oh my god…”
“Baby, stay calm. I won’t let them hurt you.” I pushed the dresser in front of the door, barricading it with everything I could find.
She breathed deeply, her hands in her hair. “What do they want?”
“I don’t know. They knew we were home so I doubt it was to rob us.”
“Zander…”
The thought crossed my mind too. I pulled out my phone then grabbed her wrist. “Call Sean first. He’s closer. Then call the cops.”
The phone shook in her hand. “Where are you going?”
I opened the bedroom window then pulled her toward it. “I want you to sit on the roof and make the call.”
“What about you?”
I didn’t have time for this. “Just do as I ask!”
“I can’t leave you!” Tears poured down her face.
“I’ll be fine. Just go.” I hoisted her up and put her on the windowsill.
“Come with me!”
“I can’t. Now go!” I slammed the window shut. She looked at me with a tear-stained face before she hid out of sight.
I moved the other dresser against the bathroom door, making them think Cassandra was in there. If they knew she wasn’t in the room, they would know where to look. I just had to hold them off until help arrived.
They crashed their bodies against the door, trying to open it. My heart was beating so fast, I didn’t know how I was still alive. I wished I had a gun in the house. Cassandra was against them, and since our baby was on the way, I didn’t want to risk a terrible accident. But now I wished it was here.
I went into the closet then yanked the bar right out of the wall, letting the clothes slide until the fell on the floor. It wasn’t a gun, but it would have to do. And if they had a gun…well, I was screwed. But as long as my fiancé was okay, I could die knowing she was safe. Sean was just a mile away. I knew he would come—in a heartbeat.
They continued to yell and push their bodies into the wall. When I saw a blade stab through the wood, I knew they decided to break it down. I held myself strong, the pole in my grasp. As soon as they broke through, I’d swing it like crazy.
More pieces of the wood fell, and I finally saw a face, a face I recognized. It really was Zander. Now I knew what was going on. He was going to kill me then take Cassandra. This situation just got a million times worse.
A hole was finally made and I inserted the pole inside then jabbed forward. The sound of a body thudding down the stairs told me I knocked out one. But there were still two others.
Gunshots erupted and I dashed to the side, getting out of the line of fire. My ears were ringing. My hands felt my body, wondering if I’d been hit. If I had, I didn’t feel anything. There was no blood on my suit.
They finally got in, each holding a gun.
Fuck. I was out of time.
Zander searched the room then found me. He pointed his gun right in between my eyes. “Where is she?”
I said nothing. This was it. He was going to kill me.
“She’s in here.” The other man moved to the bathroom.
Zander nodded. His dark eyes drilled into mine, the bloodlust evident. “You’re lucky I’m going to make this quick.”
This was it. I was a goner.
9
Sean
I lay on the couch with my wife snuggled close to me. We were watching an episode of Friends, and Scarlet was chuckling at something Joey did. I didn’t care for this show, but I wanted to do whatever my wife wanted. She was running the show around here.
My heart throbbed all day. I kept thinking about my brother, wondering if we would ever be the same again. Scarlet was my crutch, supporting me while I struggled through my tough time. She made things much easier for me, but nonetheless, I was still hurting.
The blanket was over us and Scarlet was wrapped around my body. It was nice staying home with her today. I just wish I wasn’t so depressed to really enjoy it. We took a walk on the beach then had lunch on the patio. But Mike was always on my mind.
“Sean, it will be okay,” she whispered.
“You think?”
“I know.” She rubbed my chest. “I know Mike pretty well. He’s just upset right now, but
he will come around.”
“In a few days?” I asked incredulously.
“Yes. Have faith.”
I sighed. “But I did something pretty bad…”
“But you apologized. We all make mistakes. Mike is no exception.”
I tried to relax at her words. My wife was right about everything, not that I would ever admit that.
My phone rang in my pocket so I fished it out while she lay on me. She wasn’t heavy but I didn’t want to bump her stomach. I answered it without looking at the caller. “Yeah?”
“Sean!” Cassandra screamed over the phone, her tears choking her words.
I sat up, sliding Scarlet off me. My body went into flight mode. “What’s wrong?”
“Men broke into our house.” She was sobbing so hard I couldn’t understand her. “They are going to kill us!”
I had all the information I needed, and I couldn’t understand any more words she said anyway. Now she was blubbering, speaking incoherently. “I’m coming.” I got off the couch then stumbled forward.
“Sean, what’s wrong?”
I didn’t have time to answer her. I sprinted upstairs, grabbed the loaded shotgun under my bed, and then ran back down. I grabbed my keys and sprinted out the door.
“Sean!”
I couldn’t stop, not even for her. “Call the cops and send them to Mike’s house. I got to go.”
She ran to me then jumped in my arms. “I love you.”
I cupped her face and kissed her hard. “I love you too.” I didn’t have time to savor the look on her face. I didn’t even have time to explain what was happening. I knew I had to get there fast. I didn’t know what I was up against, and there was a good possibility I would be killed while I tried to rescue my brother but I had to go. I knew Ryan and my dad would take care of Scarlet if I didn’t survive.
I jumped into the car and peeled out, not looking back at my wife as she stood in the yard, pulling out her phone and making the call. I hauled ass down the road, accelerating as fast as my car would allow. The engine worked hard as it sped me to my location. It was the longest mile I’ve ever driven in my life.
I raced up their driveway then slammed on my breaks. Without turning off the car, I got out with my shotgun in hand.
