Page 55 of Lost in the Light

“No. It was an accident, and I’m fine,” I assured him. “It was partly my fault for making out like I can swim. I really can’t,” I added with an awkward smile.

“We figured that much out when you were drowning, sweetheart,” Asher chuckled.

“Are you sure you’re okay? Maybe we should take you to the ER to be safe?” Eli questioned.

“I’m sure. Adam’s making French toast for breakfast. There’s no way I’m missing out on that.”

“I don’t want either of you letting what our so called father did upset you anymore than it already has. I’ll handle anything else that arises, but it’s over for the both of you. I won’t let him take another thing from either of you. You’ve been through enough,” Asher said so vehemently it was obvious he wasn’t going to allow us to argue.

“He’s taken enough from you too, Ash,” Eli pointed out.

“Don’t worry. I’m not letting him have anything else from me either. I’m getting him out of our lives for good. The house is gone and I’ve donated the land to a charitable housing project. They can build on it, or sell it and take the money for the charity.Next, I’m getting rid of the business. I don’t want one single piece of what that man built to remain in this world.”

“What will you do with the business gone?” I asked.

“Anything I want,” Asher smiled. “Don’t know what that is yet, but I’ll figure it out. We’re free, all of us. The money from the sale of the business will make all three of us wealthy enough to never work a day again, if that’s what we want.”

“I just want to paint,” Eli said, and there was no missing the relief in his voice.

“I know, brother. Maybe you could set up a gallery too, to sell your work? I always wanted to go to one of those fancy openings,” Asher mused, sounding so much lighter.

“What about you, Addy? What do you want to do?” Eli asked.

“I don’t need any money. That’s your money…the two of you. I’m happy just having a home with you,” I told them.

“You’ll take the money, Addy. It’s yours and neither of us will take no for an answer. If you don’t want it, give it to a charity or something, but it’s yours regardless,” Asher said firmly.

“I don’t care about money, Asher. Having the two of you in my life is more than I ever could have wished for,” I sighed.

“You’ll always have us. We’re not going anywhere,” Eli promised.

“Come on. Let’s get you upstairs so you can get warm and into dry clothes. Are you sure you feel alright? It’s not hard to breathe or anything along those lines?”

“I’m fine. I might give the pool a wide berth for a while though,” I laughed.

“Why were you even in it if you can’t swim?” Eli asked.

“I just wanted to try and speak to you. I thought you might open up more in a place you like to be,” I shrugged.

“Jesus, sweetheart. I’m really starting to worry about your self-preservation instincts,” Asher declared with an exhausted shake of his head.

“I’ll admit, it might not have been my best idea.” Asher scooped me up and got to his feet, carrying me over to the bench. Eli followed after us and wrapped my robe around me.

“You can put me down. I’m okay now,” I argued, but Asher wasn’t listening, or didn’t want to. He carried me bridal style up the stairs and I was relieved when we passed the kitchen and found it was still empty. The last thing I needed was the guys worrying about me.

Asher didn’t put me down until we stopped outside the door of my room. As soon as my feet were on the ground I turned to Eli and wrapped my arms around him, hugging him tight. I was so relieved he’d finally let out the pain that was haunting him, and when he held me back I sighed in relief. I had my brother back. It had almost killed me to get him to open up, as it turned out, but it was worth it to see Eli looking more like himself again.

CHAPTER 16

ADDY

“Like this?” I pulled my attention away from drooling over how hot and sexy Jordan looked, playing basketball with a half dozen kids off to the side of where I sat.

We were at the youth center, which Jordan had volunteered at a few times since we discussed the subject over a week ago. He had finally persuaded Asher and Kane to let me tag along with him. They’d been reluctant because they feared I was still in danger, but they had finally given in that afternoon.

I’d spent most of the day continuously convincing everyone that I really was okay after my dive into the pool. Of course Asher had told them, and that had opened up a whole new can of worms, all three of my guys and my brothers fussing over me constantly, Asher asking repeatedly if I shouldn’t get checked out by a doctor. I’d been so relieved to get out of there.

The center I sat in was actually a converted church. Inside it was just one wide open space with a basketball court, some tables - one of which I sat at - and some other activities like pool tables, air hockey, a small area of gym equipment, and some tv’s set up with old gaming consoles.

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