Page 18 of Brick

“Yes,” she said.“He’s very possessive and controlling.Years ago, when we were first together, I wasn’t even allowed to see my sister.He always accused me of cheating.Now I realize that he was afraid I’d tell people what I knew about him.”

“And what’s that?”

She squirmed.She had no desire to protect Keetan, but his past was tied with hers.Brick was angry and had already threatened to take Bray, so as a mother trying her best to protect her son, she wasn’t going to take any chances.Brick could turn her in the first chance he got, get full custody of Bray, and cut her out of the picture once she was in jail.

“Natalie, I need answers here.”

“And I don’t even know you,” she said, throwing her arms up.“You could hand me over to the police in a heartbeat.”

“I didn’t, though.Could have.But didn’t.”

“Only because you wanted to confront me.”

His jaw rocked, and stillness fell over his face.After a long minute, he sighed, pulled out the chair across from her, and sat.He leaned forward on his elbows, meeting her at her level and tethering his gaze to hers.

“Natalie, I realize you don’t know me.From what I can tell, you’ve been through hell.I want to help.I can protect you and our son, but we need to trust each other.Please.”

She hadn’t anticipated the relief that filled her.Wasn’t prepared for the utter gratitude of having someone on her side.Someone who wanted to listen.Yes, she had Ellie, but she wasn’t capable of going up against Keetan.

Part of her wanted to refuse his help.He didn’t need to get involved in this mess.But she’d pushed him away three years ago and had regretted that decision every day of her life since.

She wouldn’t make the same mistake.

She nodded eagerly.“Okay, Brick.I trust you.”

CHAPTER 5

Brick relaxed alittle.They were getting somewhere.Whether he could trust Natalie or not was a different story, and he needed to find out for the sake of his son.

At least she hadn’t denied him that truth.

“Do you have any more questions?”The softness to her voice pained him.

He fought the urge to reach for her hand.He didn’t have a right to touch her, and should be too damn pissed to try.But her large, glassy eyes took away some of his steam.

She didn’t appear high or drunk, so he assumed she was telling the truth about not using.He needed to know what the hell the charges were about, but he also needed to get the child to safety immediately.Even if the kid wasn’t his, he didn’t want the boy in danger.

Problem was, he’d been in such a rush that he’d taken a commercial flight and hadn’t brought any weapons.“Do you think Bray is in danger right now?”

She chewed her bottom lip.“Under normal circumstances, I’d say no.But nothing about this is normal.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, Keetan has never hit Bray.He’s been short with him, has yelled and things like that.But he’s never tried to harm him.He’s never threatened his life either, but everything changed last night.”She hugged herself tightly.“As much as I want to believe Keetan wouldn’t hurt a child, I can’t be sure and I don’t like the uncertainty.”

“Has he hit you before?”

She swallowed.“He’s been...rough.But he’s never done anything to this extent before,” she said, waving toward her cheek.

“Where does he live?”

She straightened.“I don’t want you to go there.”

“You said that.”

“You don’t understand.He’s completely crazy.I wouldn’t be surprised if he shot at you.I need to be the one to go.”

“Not a chance.”