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He brought his hands up in front of him when his back hit the side of the car. I grabbed his shirt and pressed him against it, hard. I wanted to break him. Take all my anger out on this oxygen thief and snap him in two.

“Your stupidity almost got her killed.” I tightened my grip and showed him the whites of my eyes. “More than once.”

“Okay, okay. I already said I was sorry.”

Cam put her hand on my shoulder. “Shep, stop.”

“You’re sorry? You’re fucking sorry?” I snarled up close in his face. “You have no idea what your bullshit has put her through. The only reason I haven’t killed you already is because I’m in—” I paused, rattled by what had almost slipped from my mouth. I blinked and changed my approach. “Because it would hurt her. And she’s been through too much.”

“That’s enough!” Cam said. “You’ve made your point.”

Had I? It didn’t feel like nearly enough.

I released Justin and he slumped to the ground, panting. Spineless piece of shit.

I took a step back from them. As much as Justin deserved it, I shouldn’t have lost my cool.

Cam squatted next to her brother and whispered quiet words. I turned from them, taking a moment to get myself together.

Christ, I’d almost admitted to something I hadn’t even acknowledged to myself yet. I’d never been in love before. Is that what this was? It was such an all-consuming, overwhelming sensation, but it left me vulnerable in a way that made me uneasy.

Whatever this was, I decided I wasn’t a fan. And besides, nothing good would come of it.

Light footsteps approached from behind. “He didn’t mean to offend you. He’s scared. We’ve all been through hell and he’s worried about me.”

I turned to her. “Don’t you think it’s a little late for him to be showing he gives a damn about you?”

She sighed and rubbed at her forehead, but ignored my question. “Look, I’ve spoken to him, and he’s ready to go in without making a fuss.”

“Fine, I’ll take him. You still need to stay out of sight.”

The siblings shared a hug before parting. I walked Justin in because I needed to see for myself he was admitted, and to take care of the financial details.

After I completed the paperwork, the nurse was ready to show Justin to his room. If she thought it was strange that we both looked like shit, she didn’t say so. I supposed people might often turn up here at odd hours and looking rough.

Justin stood before me, hands stuffed into his pockets. He cleared his throat. “Cammy told me some things about how you helped her. What I said to you earlier, I was out of line. For what it’s worth, thank you. Please, get her somewhere safe.”

My jaw clenched as I stared him down. “Yeah, I’m working on it.”

He walked through the security doors without looking back. It sure as shit wasn’t a reconciliation, but at least we could acknowledge we wanted the same thing.

When I returned to the car, Cam sat in the passenger seat, resting her head against the window. She looked lost in thought and beyond tired.

I slipped into the driver’s side.

“How’d it go? Did he seem all right going in?”

“As good as can be expected. Hopefully what he’s gone through will be enough motivation for him.” I wasn’t convinced Justin had the strength of character to fight his addiction. Time would tell.

I pressed the button to start the car.

Cam reached for my bicep. “Thank you for getting him where he needs to be.”

I shrugged. “It’s up to him now.”

We drove out of the parking lot and headed north. Now that Justin had gone, I felt comfortable talking with Cam. Her profile illuminated as we passed under each streetlight.

“You holding up?” I asked.