Page 54 of Mended Fences

Need help?

Yes. God yes.

But Chase was volatile right now. The last thing I needed was him showing up drunk or high when I was trying to execute a careful exit strategy.

ELENA

I’ve got it handled. But thanks.

CHASE

I want to be someone you can count on

A tear splashed onto my screen.When was the last time someone put me first like this?

ELENA

I’ll see you soon, Chase.

CHASE

Good. I miss you.

I miss you, too.

“Thank you guys for coming.”

“Of course,” Tessa said as she hugged me.

Elliot, her husband and Chase’s twin brother, stood behind her. He gave me a sad smile, but he had no way of knowing how seeing it on his face cracked my heart wide open.

I ached to see Elliot’s face on the man who occupied so many of my thoughts. I hated that Chase wasn’t here today, but it was better this way. It was risky enough having Tessa and Elliot here.

“The movers packed most things up into one of those storage pods,” I said when Tessafinallyreleased me, “so I just have a few things left to load into my car.”

“Lead the way,” Elliot said.

The slam of a car door outside made me freeze. My pulse thundered in my ears as heavy footsteps approached.

“What the hell is going on here?” Peter’s voice cut through the air like a knife.

I spun around to face my husband, my hands trembling as they gripped the edge of the kitchen counter. His dark eyes darted between me, Tessa, and Elliot, who stood protectively in front of the last load of boxes.

“You son of a bitch—” Tessa stepped toward Peter, but I caught her by the elbow, halting her forward momentum and the tirade she was no doubt planning.

“I’m leaving,” I said, proud that my voice didn’t waver.

Peter’s face contorted, that familiar mask of rage settling into place. “Like hell you are.” He took a menacing step forward.

Elliot shifted, his broad shoulders tensing as he moved to block Peter’s path. The air crackled with tension.

“Back off,” Elliot growled, his voice low and dangerous.

Peter’s gaze locked onto mine, his lips curling into a sneer. “So this is what you’ve been planning? Running away with some other man?”

“This is my husband, you dickfuck. Elena’s leaving.” Tessa reached out and squeezed my hand tight. “And you’re going to let her.”

Peter’s laugh held no humor. “And who’s going to make me?”