Page 189 of Let You Love Me

“That’s what I thought.”

I tighten my arm around Lane as I watch my best friend eye my sister like she hung the moon.

When I discovered he’d been secretly seeing her behind my back, I lost my shit. He’d always been a player, and after everything Brynn had gone through in high school, I was so damn afraid of her getting hurt. She deserved whole-hearted devotion and loyalty, and I’ll admit, it took me a hot minute to realize just how much Jace loved her. Turns out, he’s exactly the man to give her everything she needs.

We’ve been through break-ups, funerals, injuries, betrayals, victories, infidelities, loss, and so much more.

And now, here we are.

I lift Lane’s hand to my lips and press a kiss to her palm.

Ever since the day she showed up at my dorm, we’ve seen each other every single day, and though I fucking miss football like I’d miss an arm or a leg, I have to admit, having my schedule open up has its advantages. No more squeezing in time on my lunch break or sneaking around. No more travelling for weekend games or early morning conditioning. Now, I’m building a life for myself outside of football, instead of around it, with Lane and Sophie at the helm.

“Teagan?”

At the sound of my name, my head snaps to Graham, pulling me from my thoughts. “What’s up?”

“I have something for you.” Digging into his pocket for his phone, he pulls it out. “Cal sent me an email I thought you might want to see. Consider it a Christmas gift.” He rises from his spot on the armchair and hands me his phone while I instantly sober.

If Graham’s father sent an email regarding Knox, it must be good.

My gaze homes in on the text, and I quickly skim the short message.

Hope this email can give the Nichols some peace and healing this holiday season.

My hand shakes as I click on the attachment and an article loads.

I read, almost afraid to believe my eyes.

“They brought Knox in on charges for sexual assault and sexual battery,” Graham explains, confirming what I’m seeing. “He’s going to be indicted.”

I scrub a hand over my mouth and drop the phone, searching for my sister. “Brynn—”

“I already know,” she says, from her perch on Jace’s lap. “Jace told me as soon as we got here. You know he can’t keep a secret.” She rolls her eyes.

My chest tightens. “And you’re good?”

She nods with a smile that reaches her eyes. “I’m good.” She glances down at Jace and threads the fingers of their clasped hand together. “Better than good.”

“I figured you guys could tell your parents tomorrow. Together,” Graham adds. “Merry Christmas, bro.”

I nod, overwhelmed with emotion as I turn and place a kiss on Lane’s cheek, heart full. “Yeah. Merry Christmas.”

Silence settles over the room, and I imagine everyone is lost in their own thoughts, likely thinking about the stab of betrayal like I am, and how it’s finally over. We’ll have justice, and the four of us are stronger for it.

“I think this calls for a group hug, am I right?” Jace asks, breaking the silence, a wide grin stretching his face as he rises. “Bring it in, boys.” He reaches out and yanks Graham to his feet, then heads straight for me. “Come on, right to Daddy.” He motions toward himself while I stand before he can do anything stupid and hurt my back.

One of his heavy arms falls over my shoulders. “Call yourself Daddy again while you’re touching me, and I’ll fucking throat punch you,” I deadpan.

“I think I just gagged.” Graham shifts closer.

Unfazed, Jace tips his chin at Atlas. “Come on, Mr. Macho, let’s go. You too.”

Atlas groans and curses under his breath, but he rises to his feet and joins us, completing the circle as Jace tries to squeeze the life out of us like a human boa constrictor. “Damn, I missed this,” he murmurs.

“Watch my fucking back, man!” I snap.

“I feel the love, don’t you?” he murmurs.