Page 13 of Fractured Hearts

“New York. It’s where he’s been most of the time we’ve been gone. He has some of his Navy friends there who have been helping him gather the evidence that was used against James at his trial.” Belle’s eyebrows shoot up, but she doesn’t say anything. I’m sure she’s putting the pieces together and realizing that the source Harrison has is my dad, even though Harrison isn’t aware of that.

“Why did you come back as someone else?” Belle asks. I’m glad she’s asking the questions, because I don’t think I’d like whatever would come out of Kai’s mouth when he’s this angry.

“I needed to be close to step in if I had to, but I didn’t want the attention it would bring if I was suddenly back from the dead. The media would be all over it, and Eva would know exactly where I was.”

“Wouldn’t the media attention keep you safe?”

I shake my head at her question. “I’m sure Eva could easily make it look like I died in a tragic accident.”

Kai takes a deep breath in through his nose, eyes closed. I can see he’s calmer when he opens them and stares at me.

“What do you mean, you’d ‘step in’?” he asks. “Like in front of a bullet?”

I shrug. “Yeah, if it came to that, I would.” Belle pales, and Kai frowns even more. “But I’ve been training for eight years. Guns, knives, fists. I’ve trained with the best Dad could find. I refused to be weak like I was eight years ago. I made myself a weapon.”

“Jesus,” Belle mutters.

“So yes, I would step in front of a bullet if it meant saving any of you, but it won’t come to that.”

Kai stands and walks to me so quickly I almost throw a punch on instinct. He pulls me into him and hugs me. I’m so surprised it takes me a minute to return it.

“I’m still pissed, but I understand,” he says, not releasing me from his tight hold. “I fucking missed you.”

“I missed you, too,” I say, squeezing him tighter.

“I’ll talk to the others,” he says, pulling back and reaching his hand out to Belle. She takes it and steps up beside him. “I can’t promise anything.”

I nod, shoving my hands into my pockets, feeling uncomfortable about my next question. “How’s Maverick?”

Kai rubs the back of his neck and looks down at Belle. “Uh, not great. You’re going to have to tell him everything because I don’t think the simple explanation we just got will help.”

“Jo is taking care of him,” Belle adds. “But the sooner you’re able to tell us everything, the better.”

“I’ll do that. I promise.” I’d go with them right now if I could, but I need to talk to Sinclair first. I won’t put my family in any more danger.

After more hugging and exchanging of numbers, I watch them pull out of my driveway. A small weight has been lifted off my shoulders, but there’s still so much to do before the world finds out Ezra Irons is very much alive.

twelve

JO

Unknown

Hi Jo, this is Ben. Belle mentioned you would be the best point of contact if I wanted to schedule a meeting with everyone to explain . . . everything.

Our phones have some fancy software on them that makes them pretty much unhackable. You don’t need to pretend, Ezra.

Ezra

Right. Belle mentioned that. Force of habit, I guess.

So . . . meeting?

I glare at my phone before peeking over it to look at Maverick. He’s sprawled on the couch with Kai, playing some video game that involves shooting aliens or something. He’s been better the past few days. Not happy exactly, but he’s been able to sort through his emotions. Which I, unfortunately, know means he would want to hear Ezra out. The most selfish part of me wants to lie and push Ezra away. Keep Maverick by my side as long as I can. The problem with that is, even if he’s with me, he would never be mine. I’d just be hurting both of us.

I sigh loudly, catching the attention of the guys. They both stare at me, waiting for an explanation.

“Ezra texted me. He wants a meeting.” I keep my voice neutral. Maverick may have had to sort through a whole range of emotions, but I’ve only had one. Anger. I hate Ezra for how he’s hurt the people I care about. I hate him for every tear I’ve watched fall from Maverick’s honey-brown eyes. There’s nothing he can say to excuse the pain he’s caused.