Force of Nature by S. L. Scott

Author:S. L. Scott [Scott, S. L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781940071794
Publisher: S. L. Scott
Published: 2019-03-29T04:00:00+00:00

23

Winter

It’s been an hour since Singer left, wounded by my admission. When Ethan showed up, I left the brothers by themselves. What did that interrogation last? One question. One confession. One minute before everything changed, shifting the warm welcome.

It’s been quiet for a while. I’m not sure if contemplation is happening or everyone has left, but I stay in Bennett’s room. I’m glad I kept on his clothes. There’s more room to make mistakes and grow from them inside.

I push through the urge to run and avoid conflict or remain waiting in the master bedroom, especially since I’m not sure what I’m waiting for. I head toward the living room, not sure how many Everests I’ll find.

Bennett stands from where he was sitting on the couch and drags his palms down the front of his jeans as his favorite song plays. “Hi,” he says, his hand going up.

“Hi. How’s Singer?”

“She’ll be fine.”

“I’m sorry.”

“For what?” His eyes begin to narrow like he’s struggling to read me. I relate.

“For causing her pain.”

“You didn’t, Winter.”

I tap the tip of my shoe on the wood and clutch my hands in front of me. “I did.” I look away. “I don’t know how or why, but I’ve been feeling guilty this whole time, Bennett. This is her home. Would it be better for her, for all of you, if I leave?”

“No.” His voice is quieter, not commanding the same attention as his frame. “Talk to me. Fill in the missing pieces. I sent them home so it could just be us. Us talking. You and me. Me and you. Please, Winter, explain how you’re caught up in this mess that could cost me my life, my brothers’ lives. Singer’s and Ally’s.”

My chin can’t hold its strength against this man. It hits my chest, and I whisper, “I’m sorry.”

“I don’t want your apology, damn it. I want answers.”

Stubbornness braces my spine, and I look up at him, ready to tear into anyone who attempts to attack me. But I can’t. Not him. “It’s a domino effect, and I’m the one who knocked the first one down. If I had never gone to work for the McCoys, I would have never met Kurt. My role in this mess is the reason you were almost taken or killed.”

“You saved me, Winter. What about that? You risked your life to help me. That doesn’t matter to you?”

“It does because you matter to me.” My lashes are wet from tears and I hate that I can’t have this conversation without crying. Frustration, anger at myself, and the pain I’ve caused him and his family fill my lids until the tears topple over. I’ve carried this burden on my own for so long that to finally share it is so horribly painful. But the shame that comes with my admission is almost crippling.

“I may not have given the order, but I’m to blame, Bennett.”

“Sit down.” His tone is firm, leaving me no wiggle room.

I owe him answers. Now’s the time, so I sit on the couch.

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