Page 119 of Three Pucking Ex's Brothers

“Bullshit, Freddie,” she says, refusing to back down. “Tell me, or I walk out this door.”

“Nora…” Russ’s voice elevates as he steps up beside her. Tommy is at my side in a moment.

I turn and bitterly say, “What are you waiting for? It’s right there.” I motion to the front door, and because I can’t help myself, overwhelmed by everything that’s happening inside me and around me, I add, “Go on and leave me like everyone else does when they see I’m not fucking worth it.”

Nora steps up to me like a challenging opponent. Without fear.

She grabs my face, and I know we’re being watched, but a part of me craves the audience.

I want to be wanted.

I wantthemto know she wantsme.

Not Brett.

And not them.

Me.

“You listen to me, Frederick Sterling,” she says sternly. “I am not going anywhere.”

Russell’s hand on my back is a reminder we aren’t alone.

“Take it easy, Freddie,” he says.

Though I feel him and his comforting touch, all I can see is her. Nora. The woman I love, even though I know I shouldn’t.

I lean my forehead against hers as I suck in a breath. “You should,” I whisper. “You should get as far away from me as you can, Eleanor.”

Her face inches closer to mine. “That’s not what youneed, Freddie,” she whispers. “You’ve given me so much, let me give you what you need too.”

“She’s right.” Russell’s voice is low. Almost a whisper.

I turn my head to look at Russ; his eyes are misty.

“Let someone take care of you for once, Fred. Don’t push her away because we both know your issue isn’t with her.”

I don’t want to acknowledge the truth.

Before I can say a word, I feel Nora pull me to her and her lips find mine. All the fight inside me dies upon that kiss. It’s like the switch has flipped once again, and I’m someone else.

I know Russell is beside me. I know he’s watching this, watching us, and the fact that he hasn’t punched me or pushed me off is asconfusing as the feeling of bliss that runs through me. I kiss her back, because it’s what I need.

Her touch, her comfort, her love.

“Nora…” Tommy’s voice breaks the silent air, and we turn to see him, standing there, shirtless, in his pajama pants. I can see the pain etched on his face.

“Tommy…” She pulls away and I hear the sadness, the guilt in her voice.

His eyes water as he adjusts himself, and then he looks at me with so much hurt.

Not her.Me.

“I can explain,” I say, but he holds his hands up.

“No.” It’s one solid word. One heavier than any other.

He looks to Nora, and she pushes me away, and Russell moves back.