Page 67 of Unbreakable Bonds (The Boston Romance #2)

COLE

"Ah, shit... Goddammit."

"Need help, Alex?"

"No!"

I grin at the sound of heels tapping impatiently on the linoleum bathroom floor.

One week since we escaped that basement.

Seven days of healing, of nightmares, of holding each other through the dark hours.

We're in trauma counseling now, learning to process what happened.

The police found cameras in the warehouse basement that recorded everything – concrete proof we were victims of a psychopath.

Another string of curses pulls me from my thoughts.

"Cole?"

"Yes?"

"I'm stuck."

I step into the bathroom and can't help but chuckle. My fierce woman is tangled in a burgundy half-sleeve shirt, one arm trapped and her head hidden in the fabric.

"For fuck's sake. Stop laughing and help me!"

"Yes, madame. Let the rescue mission begin."

I gently pull at the fabric, mindful of her stitches. She grunts in pain as she moves her arm.

"Should have followed my suggestion about loose-fitting clothes," I say, earning a muffled curse in response.

The moment the doctor signed her discharge papers this morning, Alisha declared she was leaving in style, not in sweats. Now she's paying the price of that stubbornness. When she finally emerges, hair mussed and cheeks flushed, she throws me that beaming grin that makes my heart stop.

"I'm not a shabby outfit girl, Walker. You should know that by now."

She smooths her hands over her chestnut brown skirt, then reaches for her hair.

"No, leave it loose," I murmur, closing the distance between us. She smirks as my hands find her hips, pulling her close. "Can't wait to get you home."

Her nails trail over my ribs as she rises on her toes. "Me too."

I lean in to kiss those tempting lips, but an obnoxiously loud chirp interrupts us.

"Your ride has arrived." Brian stands in the doorway, trademark smirk in place.

"Where's Amanda?" Alisha asks. "She was supposed to come too. Don't tell me you pissed her off again?"

Brian's smile falters. Before I can stop her, Alisha pounces.

"What do you think about Amanda going out with Steven?"

"What? That dickless rooster asked her out?"

"They clicked when he visited me," Alisha says with calculated innocence. "He's kind. And there's no other man stepping up to ask her out."

I clear my throat, uncomfortable with where this is heading.

"See? Bulldozer hates the rooster too," Brian says, gesturing at me.

Alisha's eyes narrow. "Grow some goddamn balls, Fox. What you're doing to Amanda is cruel. Life's too short. If you want her, tell her! Otherwise, let her find someone who isn't afraid to show her how wonderful she is."

Brian's cocky facade crumbles. His body tenses as he shoves clenched fists into his pockets.

"I..." He breaks off, avoiding our eyes. "If you'll excuse me." He grabs our bags and heads for the door, pausing only to add, "I visited your mom like you asked. Jeremy's... he's having a tough time dealing with what happened."

The moment he disappears, I turn to Alex. "That was harsh, baby."

She lets out a frustrated breath. "Yeah, well, hashtag no filter." Her attempt at humor falls flat. "But honestly, Cole, everyone knows how he feels about Amanda. He's going to lose her if he keeps this up."

"Brian's a mess when it comes to love and commitment. I'll talk to him." I twirl a strand of her blonde hair between my fingers. "But first, tell me – are you up for stopping by my mom's? We can do it together."

Her eyes soften. "Of course. But I know something that might help with those nerves first."

"Oh? What's that?"

"Kissing. Best stress relief there is."

I smirk and cup her chin, lowering my head. She clutches my shirt in anticipation, but I place a soft kiss on the bridge of her nose instead.

"Not funny. Fucking kiss me!"

I press a finger to her lips. "Patience is key, Alex."

The vixen responds by cupping me through my jeans, making me groan. "It better be worth the wait, Walker." She turns toward the door with a wicked smile. "Let's go."

* * *

"I'll wait here," Brian says, parking in front of my mother's house.

My heart pounds as we approach the door. When it finally opens, I barely recognize my mother. Her usually immaculate hair hangs loose and messy, dark circles rim red-rimmed eyes. She presses a trembling hand to her chest.

"Hey. Can we come in?"

She nods, stepping back. The moment the door closes, she rushes forward, gentle fingers tracing the fading bruises on my face.

"Oh, my sweet boy," she whispers, voice thick with tears.

I take her shaking hands in mine. "We're okay, Mom. We're here to talk."

She turns to Alisha, eyes brimming. "Thank you. You're truly remarkable. I prayed day and night for your safe return."

The crash of shattering china makes us all jump. Jeremy stands in the kitchen doorway, broken plates at his feet, staring at us like he's seeing ghosts.

"Jeremy?" My mother hurries to him. "Are you hurt?"

He shakes his head, gaze ping-ponging between Alisha and me. Alex squeezes my hand hard, and I run my thumb over her knuckles, trying to soothe us both.

"I'm sorry, Jeremy," she whispers. "I—"

"Don't." Jeremy steps over the broken china, tears streaming down his face. "Don't you dare apologize. What he did..." His shoulders begin to shake. "That monster was my son!"

"Please don't blame yourself," Alisha says, her voice breaking.

"She's right, Jeremy. This wasn't your fault," I add.

"Yes, it is. David was my son." The words come out between sobs.

"I should have known. His mother..." He runs a trembling hand through his hair.

"She's in an institution for mental illness.

I should have tried harder to stay connected.

My daughter told me she hadn't heard from him in three years, not since she moved to Canada.

If I'd looked harder, maybe I would have seen the signs.

" He lifts his chin, eyes full of anguish.

"I'm so sorry for the pain he caused you both. "

Alisha reaches out, and Jeremy takes her hand. "And I'm sorry for..." She can't finish, but Jeremy understands.

"You did the right thing, sweetheart." He pulls her into a hug as she breaks down. "It's okay. It's okay."

My heart swells watching them – two people connected by tragedy, finding forgiveness. As I glance at my mother, I remember my conversation with Dad.

"Mom, can we talk?"

She nods and follows me to the kitchen. The moment we're alone, she speaks. "I'm sorry, Cole."

I take her hands in mine, watching tears spill down her cheeks. "Mom, these past weeks taught me something important. Every story has multiple sides, and I need to hear them all before judging. Like David, I've only been looking at the past through my own eyes. That wasn't fair."

"I've made so many mistakes. I can't undo them, Cole. I was a terrible parent."

A small laugh escapes me. "A while ago, I'd have agreed. But I'm ready to move forward, Mom. I forgive you."

Her eyes snap to mine. "No, son. I don't deserve it." Her lips tremble. "I can't even forgive myself."

"Stop. I'm done wasting time on grudges and negative emotions. I want to live in the now, not dwell in what could have been." I hesitate, then ask, "Is it true Dad threatened to take me away if you didn't support him?"

She stares at me, shocked. "Alisha told you?"

"No. Dad did."

I tell her about my dream, about finding him at the piano. Her lip quivers as I describe our conversation, how he explained her attempts to stop him from pushing me so hard.

"It's true," she whispers. "You two were my whole world. Watching him damage your relationship was heartbreaking. The fights, the tension – I took it out on you, and I'll always regret that."

We stand in silence until I voice the question that's been haunting me. "How did you survive Dad's death? When I thought I'd lost Alisha, I wanted to die too. I can't imagine life without her."

Mom squeezes my hand. "Life after your father was hell, but you – you were my reason to get up every day.

Even when things were rough between us, I never loved you less.

After losing him, the thought of losing you terrified me.

I reacted badly, especially with Jessica.

I just hope someday you'll let me back into your life. "

"Why wait? Let's start today." I pull her into a hug. "Sam told me how you supported her while we were missing. That says everything."

She tightens her embrace. "I love you, Cole. I promise to be a better mother and grandmother." She pulls back, wiping her eyes. "Should we see if they want coffee?"

When we return to the living room, we find Jeremy and Alisha talking quietly on the couch.

Watching them, I realize something profound.

The demons I thought I deserved weren't punishments – they were pushing me to set them free, to see my past through new eyes.

I glance at Alex, who's been telling me this all along, and thank whatever force brought this remarkable woman into my life.

An hour later, we head home. Brian catches my slight nod in the rearview mirror and smiles. "Good. Let's get you two home."

The moment we enter our building's grand hall, Daniel rushes to greet us. Thanks to the Boston papers, everyone knows our story.

"Welcome back!" His genuine warmth makes us both smile. "If you need anything..."

"Just rest and no unexpected visitors," I say, but return his smile.

"Of course, Mr. Walker. And this is for you three." He presents a small box. Alisha's laugh is pure joy as she discovers three Boston cream donuts inside.

"Thank you, Daniel."

"You're welcome, Miss McQueen."

"It's Alisha," she corrects gently.

He nods, suddenly shy. "Okay... Alisha."

Brian peers into the box, licking his lips. "Damn. Though brownies would be better."

She pats his shoulder. "Be a good boy and maybe you'll get one upstairs."

"Oh, I'm always good."