Page 57 of Bleeding Hearts Duet

“He’s in Greenville Regional,” my mother’s voice crackled through the phone. “And those fuckin’ nurses won’t tell me shit. They think they’re so much better than me…”

I could imagine why. Norma-Jean didn’t know how to ask something tactfully. But I was past the point of relying on her for anything, including information.

“I need to go,” I said. “I have to see what’s going on.”

My mother huffed and started her typical spiel about how ungrateful I was that she’d raised us on her own. I disconnected the line and steadied my hand as I tried to type in Ryland’s name, but before I could, I saw his figure in the doorway.

“How long have you been there?” I asked.

“Long enough to know what that phone call was about.”

“Did you know?” I accused. “Did you already know about this?”

“I only found out five minutes ago myself,” he replied.

He just stood there. As if he had all the time in the world to relay this information.

“And?” I pushed.

“And as far as I know, he’s in critical but stable condition.”

“I have to go to him.” I thrust the chair backward as I stood. “I’m going now.”

A dark look passed over Ryland’s face, and it made my blood boil. I no longer cared what his issues were.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” I walked up and shoved my hands against his chest. “He’s my brother. You told me he was your friend. And if you don’t stop looking at me like that, I swear I will slap that expression right off your face!”

He pinned my arms to the side to subdue me and crushed me against his chest.

“I know he’s your brother,” he whispered in my ear. “I wish he wasn’t, but I know he is.”

I pulled away from him and swiped at the angry tears that spilled from my eyes as I shook my head in disbelief. It broke my heart that anyone could hate Brayden so much.

“How can you talk like that?” I demanded. “He’s a good person. He didn’t even do anything to deserve this!”

“Didn’t he?” he asked in a hollow voice. “If that’s the case, then why did he plead guilty, Brighton? Have you ever stopped to consider that? Why he let the person who committed the crime walk away scot-free?”

I clamped my mouth shut as I processed his bitter words. He had a point. It was a question I’d asked myself a thousand times. But now that I knew Brayden wasn’t guilty, nothing else mattered. I knew his character. I knew what was in his heart, and he would never intentionally hurt anybody.

“What does any of that have to do with you?” I hissed. “Why do you care what Brayden did or didn’t do?”

His phone chimed, interrupting our conversation.

“Ted’s here to take you to the airport.”

He reached into his pocket and retrieved something before sliding it onto my wrist. A new GPS bracelet.

His fingers feathered over the metal while I scowled at him.

“Brighton?”

“What?” I snapped.

“Be careful.”

He released me with a pained expression. I hesitated only a moment before making my way into the house. I couldn’t think about Ryland right now. I couldn’t feel bad for him. But I did, and I didn’t even know why. But fuck him. Fuck him for always making me feel this way. Brayden was my main concern right now, and I wasn’t going to apologize for that.

I decided to bring the clothing I had with me, so I didn’t have to stop by my apartment. Ted was waiting in the parlor, taking the items off my hands as he ushered me to the car. I was thankful he understood my impatience in this situation, and that he moved as fast as he was able.

The drive back to San Francisco was beautiful, or so Ted said. But I didn’t see any of it. Only when we pulled up to the airport did I begin to relax.

Ted came around and opened my door, and when I stepped out of the car, there was a private jet awaiting our arrival.

“That’s not…”

I tripped over the words as Ted guided me up the steps and onto the plane.

“Mr. Bennett insisted you be taken to Illinois without delay,” he said. “And that I accompany you, should you need anything.”

I stared up at him blankly and wanted to tell him that wasn’t necessary. But the more I thought about it, the more I was grateful for his presence. If only to know I wasn’t alone.

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