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Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath before expelling the stale air from my lungs. My skin is clammy and I wonder if I’m coming down with a cold.

She’s fine. She’s fine. She’s fine.

The chant reverberates in my mind as I straighten my shoulders and put on my game face. I need to take care of this shit with Chuck.

She’s fine.

Chapter 28

Past: The Accident—Twenty Years Old

A car screeches toa stop in front of me and I slam on the brakes.

Fuck. A red light.

The rain is pouring, making it hard to see. Lightning splits across the dark sky and I flinch.

Please pick up. Please pick up.

I press a button to call Charles. He’ll know what to do.

The call keeps ringing.

“You’re reached Charles Vaughn. I’m unable to pick up your call right now. Please leave a message—”

“No!” I cry.

Cars honk and I notice the light turning green.

Images of what I saw last night haunt me. The screams. The cries. The horror.

It was supposed to be fun. A night in the town with the ballet academy. Mingle with the sponsors, network, but more importantly, having a good time with Tay Tay. She aced her performance—she was getting noticed. She was on the cusp of a breakthrough.

A sob chokes my throat. Tears pool in my eyes.

But then, everything happened.

My fingers tremble and I hit the redial button.

Dammit, Charles. Please. Liam’s on a flight. Please, just pick up.

It goes to voicemail after one ring.

Tears slide down my cheeks and I shake my head—betrayal, not at my brothers, but athim—stabs my heart.

I can’t believe it. It has to be a nightmare, right?Because I still can’t believe it and I saw it with my own eyes.

My lungs strain out a ragged exhale. That voice I’d recognize anywhere. The light blond hair. The blue eyes I’ve known my entire life.

I have video evidence.

How could he? How will I face Taylor again?

Why couldn’t I save her in time?

Frantic thoughts barrel through my mind, colliding like wreckage. The storm unleashes its fury on us; the rain hammering my windshield in violent sheets. The wipers aren’t fast enough.

I can’t see.