Page 119 of Irresistibly Wicked

His brows knitted. “I didn’t know the old bastard died. Are you okay?”

“Yeah. I mean, the money saved you, so it’s all good.”

“I’m paying you back,” he said vehemently.

“You don’t have to. It’s a ton of money, and it’s not like I was counting on it for anything. It came out of the blue.”

He lifted his chin stubbornly. “Doesn’t matter. I don’t care how long it takes. Ten years, twenty. I’m paying you back. I need to do it for my own peace of mind.”

“Okay.” She pushed to her feet.

He grabbed his toiletries. “Let me put this stuff away, and then we can go eat.” He headed into the bathroom.

She took a deep, calming breath.

“Shauna?”

“Yeah?” She met him in the hallway. He was frowning. “What’s wrong?”

“Where’s your stuff? Your toothbrush, all your lotions?” He shot a glance into her bedroom, his brows furrowing. “Did you move out?”

Shauna’s gut twisted. “Yes. Zander didn’t like the idea of me staying here alone in case any drug dealers came by, and honestly, I was wrecked after everything that happened.”

Brian’s face crumpled. “Shauna—”

“I’m not trying to make you feel bad. I just don’t want to lie about it.” She headed into the living room. “I was exhausted and overwhelmed. I felt guilty for not realizing earlier that you were having trouble and for not asking Cap or your old sponsor for help once I realized what was going on, but I was too embarrassed and hurt and scared. I didn’t want to believe it was happening.”

“Fuck.” His brows knitted. “I really screwed you up.”

“No. I screwed myself up. I knew better than to enable you. You know I did, but I’m in a really good place now. I promise, and you know I’ve learned my lesson, because I told you I won’t allow myself to be in that situation again, and I meant it.”

“I believe you, and I’m glad, but I’m sorry I put us in that situation. Where are you living?”

“I’ve been staying at Zander’s. His family, the Wickeds, have been incredibly supportive. I don’t know if you remember, but his brothers Zeke and Blaine were the ones who stayed with you right before you went to rehab. His family helped me find my footing again, and I’ve got girlfriends now, believe it or not. They’re good people, Brian, and they want to be here for you, too, if you’ll let them.”

His mouth twisted. “Are you and Zander together?”

She’d been dreading the question, and although she’d planned a safe answer, she couldn’t lie to him after everything they’d been through. Everything he’d been through. The truth was, whatever she and Zander had together was over, and she needed to face that.

“Zander has been there for me more than I expected,” she said honestly. “I couldn’t get the inheritance unless I was married, so we got married and faked it for everyone. Well, not everyone. Cap and Zander’s family know it isn’t real, but nobody else knows because we didn’t want the attorney to find out. Anyway, Zander and I got close, but it’s not like we’re a couple or anything. Once we sign divorce papers, it’s a done deal.”

Pain and confusion moved over Brian’s face. “Jesus, Shauna. You hate the very idea of marriage. You did that for me?”

“It was the only way to make sure you got the help you needed.”

“And he agreed to it?”

“Yeah. He’s the guy I pulled from that wreck on New Year’s Eve. I saved him, and he wanted to help me help you in return. He was all for the ruse even before I was, but the night you showed up at his house, I knew I had to do something fast.”

Brian sank down to the couch. “So where does that leave us? Are you moving back in?”

“Yes, on Monday, since I have to work tomorrow.” She sat beside him, carefully choosing her words. “But I want to talk to you about that, too. One thing this time apart has taught me is that we need to widen our circle. We’ve been each other’s lifelines since we were little kids, and I don’t want that to change, but I’m worried we’ve become too closed off from the rest of the world. Maybe a little codependent.”

He leaned forward again, his elbows on his knees. “The therapist at rehab said the same thing.”

Relief washed through her. “They did? That makes me feel better. I was thinking that since our lease is up at the end of September, it might be a good thing if we find separate apartments. That’s assuming you’ve got a sponsor and a job and you feel ready for it by then. But I don’t want to set you back on your recovery, and I still want to go to meetings with you and hang out when we can. I just think we both need a little breathing space and room to meet new people and build healthier lives. We’ve never really had friends outside of work, and now that I do, I want that for you. It changes everything, Brian. Life feels fuller and happier, and I know with the right people, it will for you, too.”

“The therapist suggested the same thing. Not right away, of course, but once I’ve got my feet under me,” he said.