Page 15 of Working for Her Heart

She sighs heavily, her face crumpling. “Then there’s no way this between us is going to work, because the reality of it is, this is my life. I’m used to it. I’m not saying it’s right, but it is what it is. I know how to deal with these assholes. My skin is thicker than the Great Wall. You broke through and I took a chance you were different, but apparently not. I left my last job because of drama with my ex, and here I am again with more fucking drama.”

Outrage courses through me that she would lump me in with any of those other assholes. I was fucking defending her. “I don’t know how you can expect me to listen to them spouting that shit and not expect me to do anything.”

“What do you think it’s like for me? If I don’t let it go—if you don’t let it go—we’d only end up in jail.” Her shoulders slump on a heavy exhale.

“But it’d be worth it,” I insist.

She pulls into my driveway but doesn’t turn the car off. “That’s the difference between us then. I don’t think it is. They win then. It sounds like we’re done here.”

She stares straight ahead, jaw tight, hands clenched on the wheel. It’s obvious her mind is made up, and I won’t apologize for protecting her. There’s an ache in my chest and a boulder in my stomach as I climb from the vehicle.

“I think we just need to take some time to cool down,” I suggest.

“You take all the time you need,” she mutters.

The door clicks shut with a finality that’s deafening. I can’t help but watch forlornly as she backs up and drives off without a second look, taking my panicked heart with her.

Chapter Twelve

Lane

It’s been two days and I haven’t seen or talked to Jessa. She hasn’t been at work, and she won’t answer my texts or calls. I’m at my absolute fucking lowest. Which is saying a lot, considering I was active military and lost both my parents before I was a teenager.

Every repair job has taken me four times as long as it should.

I’m fucking worthless.

Now I also can’t reach my sister or Carter.

So for now, I’ve put a pause on bombarding Jessa in an attempt to get a hold of Alana or Carter. I’m about ready to drive three states over to find out what’s going on. Might as well, it’s not like there’s anything worthwhile happening here right now.

I can’t even go see Jessa, because I’ve never actually been to her house. I don’t know how this turned into such a clusterfuck. Going from the highest highs to the lowest of lows in the span of a day.

Punching Carter’s contact in my phone. It rings so long I think it’s going to go to voicemail, but when it finally connects, all I hear is rustling. I’m about to hang up, but my stomach rolls when I hear Alana’s faint voice.

“Is this for me? I’d have thought after the multiple poundings you gave me last night, you’d need a break.”

There’s a male groan. “Baby, I figured you’d be the one who was sore.”

“Oh I am deliciously sore. I love the reminder of how you fucked me into oblivion.”

“Fuck Alana, you’re going to be the death of me.”

“I sure hope not. I have plans for you.”

Again rage takes over as I stab at the phone, disconnecting the call only to call right back. I cannot fucking believe this shit. I saved this asshole’s life. He was my best friend and promised to watch over Alana like I would. Like a fucking brother would. Fucking NOTHING about what I just heard was brotherly.

I’m gagging and valiantly attempting not to retch.

My temper’s already on a hair trigger from the shit I’ve been dealing with here, and this does nothing but exacerbate the situation. I barely refrain from putting my fist through the wall as I wait for the call to go through.

“WHAT. THE. ACTUAL. FUCK?” I scream when it connects, not even waiting for a hello.

“What’s wrong?” Carter asks as if there’s any question about what’s wrong.

“Don’t fucking what’s wrong me, asshole. I asked for one simple favor, to watch over my sister, be another brother for her, and what do you do? You go and fuck her.”

“How could you possibly know that?” he asks, sounding confused.