Page 54 of Oathbreaker

“Then you start with them. Make sure they understand your plan to buy a ring as soon as your training was over. How you were in love with her. How you waited because you didn’t want to disrespect them, but you couldn’t deny your feelings anymore. All that nonsense.”

“Have you ever been in love?” I ask after a moment.

He’s quiet for a beat. “I have. Which is why I know what I just said is some romantic sappy shit, but she’s worth it, no?”

“She’s worth everything.”

“Then act like it.”

Seventeen

Briar

I inhale and brace before pushing through the door.

I’ve been avoiding this all week, ever since the confrontation at The Sapphire Room and I still don’t want to be here tonight.

But I also know that I need to do this.

Need to smooth things over with Dash.

And considering I was the one who told him to go, I know he’s going to give me time and space until I reach out.

So…I’m reaching out.

Partly because it’s killing me to have this gulf between us.

He’s my big brother. He’s always had my back, has always looked out for me.

I hate the idea of him hurting because of something I’ve done.

No, I don’t think he’s been reasonable about anything regarding Colt since he reappeared in our lives almost two weeks ago now.

But I also know that he took Colt’s death harder than the rest of the guys.

Then adding in the secret of Colt being Frankie’s dad…

Yes, I was frustrated and my feelings were hurt, but I understood he was right there with me too.

Is right there with me.

And the other part of the reason I’m here today is because Willow called to gently—in her sweet, kind way—tell me that aside from the hurt and frustration and the betrayal, Dash is also feeling guilty as hell about hitting me.

That was an hour ago.

Now, I’m here.

And I would have been here sooner if not for L.A. traffic.

If it had happened before—if Dash had hurt me before—I might feel differently. But he hasn’t ever been the type of big brother to put his hands on me, not even when we were kids. More like hover beneath me when I was doing the monkey bars and cyberstalking my college dates.

A.K.A. smothering me with protective instincts.

Which is why I’m here.

We’re going to settle this so we can move forward.

No more raging out. No more fist fights.