Page 53 of Brutal Truths

Silence stretches across the line. I guess I’ve said enough to shut them all up.

Misty appears at the edge of the alcove, Bear at her side. “Breakfast is ready when you two are.”

“Thank you,” I tell her, then address the others. “We need to go.”

Darius’s voice comes over the line. “We’ll see what we can find. I’ve reviewed the files you sent me, but nothing so far is making much sense. We’ll talk later.”

“I’ve got things handled here.”

Aiden’s eyes meet mine, and he holds my gaze, his expression serious. “Let me make one thing clear. I’m telling Isabel everything. No more secrets. Not when it’s her life we’re talking about. She’s the only one who can decide what to do with it.”

He lets that sink in.

“If anyone has a problem with that, they can bring it up with me and I’ll tell you where to shove it.”

Here come the tears again, all warm and salty, rolling down my cheeks. This man is unexpected, and I feel blessed to have him on my side.

“Thank you,” I mouth.

He nods. “One more thing.”

Antonio responds. “So far, I agree. Go on.”

“Not that I care, since it’s not your decision, but fine. Isabel and I are together. It’s new but serious.” Always direct and honest, Aiden makes sure my brother is fully aware of this thing between us. “Again, anyone who has a problem can shove it.”

“Now that I know who you are, my concerns are less.” My brother just can’t help himself. “But I wish you’d reconsider with her security. Maybe we can compromise.”

My jaw drops.

King Antonio doesn’t compromise. Ever.

Aiden doesn’t budge on the matter. “Her security and care moving forward are mine to handle until she says otherwise.”

Then he takes a deep breath and does what I didn’t expect him to do. “However, if you want Ryan and Marty back on her team, I’ll agree. One condition. I’m in charge, and they follow my rules. Understand?”

The silence is piercing, but that doesn’t make Aiden back down or change his mind. “Great. We’ll catch up later.”

He hangs up as if his word is law and final.

Something in my chest expands, warm and overwhelming.

If I wasn’t already falling, I am now.

Heart, soul, all of it.

My love for this man is immense, and I plan to confess that to him very soon.

Chapter 15

Isabel

By the time we walk back to the house, Grams has just finished her breakfast. Her face lights up the second she sees me, pure and familiar, before her smile falters just as quickly.

“What happened to your face?”

It’s not the first time I’ve explained this to her. More than once. Her memory keeps slipping, taking pieces of us with it, leaving me to relive the same moment again and again.

I could tell her the truth, but that would only scare and confuse her, force her to carry something she doesn’t need to hold onto.