Page 60 of Pretend it’s Forever

Because if Cale had done something and I had been looking the other way, I would never forgive myself.

“Are you sure?”

“Rose. I am. I promise.”

“I’ll have security waiting.”

I snorted. “I could take both of them, we know that.”

“I didn’t tell you which Cages are out there.”

“You didn’t have to.”

Not only would I know who they were no matter what, I also knew I could take them. Not that I would harm any of the Cage women. I wasn’t that much of a monster. Although I wasn’t sure Sophia would agree with me in that moment.

With a sigh, I leaned against my desk, hands in my pockets, as I waited for two Cages to show up and explain to me exactly how much of a terrible person I was. It wouldn’t be anything new, honestly.

“Well, looks like I’m going to have to kick your ass after all,” Flynn said far too calmly, his voice smooth as silk as he strode into my office, complete in a perfect suit and tie. James followed him, a deadly snarl on his face.

“So. It’s the two of you. I thought it would be. But honestly, I would’ve expected Isabella here with a pitchfork too.”

“She’s with Sophia, but if she had her way, she’d be here as well,” Flynn said.

I studied both of them, my jaw set. “Meaning no one else knows that you showed up. Does Aston?”

“He’s not our keeper,” James put in calmly. “But I would love to know what you were thinking when you broke our sister’s heart.”

I stiffened, my own heart squeezing ever so slightly. Because no, that wouldn’t have been the case. I hadn’t done so.

I would’ve known.

“What happens between Sophia and me is none of your business,” I said boldly. I ducked the first punch, Flynn glaring, but wasn’t fast enough to escape James’s hold. He hovered over me as he tugged at my shoulder and glared.

“You have no idea what you’re talking about. We weren’t able to protect her when that asshole hurt her. Physically, emotionally, financially, everything. But you? You were a friend.”

Were. “Past tense then?” I asked.

“You asshole,” Flynn said as he moved forward. I pulled away from James, and the other man let me go. I fixed my suit, pretending I cared about the lapels.

“Sophia and I are friends.” Or perhaps that was past tense as well. “We had a few moments, and then our time ended. We both made promises. I didn’t want to hurt her.”

“Maybe you did, maybe you didn’t, but you shouldn’t have touched our sister to begin with,” Flynn snapped.

I nodded tightly. “You’re right. I shouldn’t have.”

Both men looked at me in surprise, and I shook my head.

“Sophia’s way better than me. She deserves more than me. We had our time, and I walked away before things got more complicated. I’m sorry if I hurt her.” I shook my head. “No, that’s a cop-out. I’m sorry that I hurt her. But being with her would have hurt her even more. Believe me.”

“You shouldn’t have touched her,” Flynn repeated.

“What happened between Sophia and me was between two consenting adults, and I won’t answer to you for that. She deserves better than that. But please, don’t ever compare me to the spineless asshole that is her ex-husband. Because I’m not like that man.”

Flynn opened his mouth to say something, but it was James who spoke instead.

“You’re right. You’re not Cale. I’m not disappointed in Cale because I hate him so much it doesn’t matter. But you? Why did you have to walk away like that?”

I rubbed my hand over my heart, not even realizing I was doing so until it was too late. “I’m no good for her.”