Page 174 of Rules

“Please tell me you didn’t maul my sister,” Andrew says as soon as he catches sight of us.

I’m sure I have to be a mess. My cheeks are flushed, and my lips still feel raw.

“You maul my sister all the time,” Max points out as his hand slides down my arm, fingers interlocking with mine.

“That’s not the same,” Andrew argues, curiously eyeing us.

“I don’t see the difference.”

Rolling his eyes, Andrew tips his chin in our direction. “You sort out your shit?”

Max looks down at me, his fingers squeezing mine. Waiting for my answer.

Taking one deep breath, I look between the two of them. The boy I love, although I’m scared shitless to admit it out loud, and the boy who shares my blood. “This will be one big mess,” I warn them.

Andrew comes closer, placing his hands on my shoulders. “I don’t care. I already told you, it’s you and me, Brook.”

My heart softens a little, another brick falling out of the wall I built around myself. When I found out about my connection to the Hill family, I didn’t even dare to think of what it would be like if Andrew ever found out. What, or if, we’d have any kind of relationship, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like this. Having somebody in my corner, somebody who’ll have my back no matter what.

“Well…” My gaze darts to Max’s before it returns back to my brother. Mybrother. “It’s actually not just you and me.”

His eyes go wide instantly, realization setting in. I set it on my stomach, the shirt flat against my belly. The bump is still very small, but I know it’s just a matter of time before there will be no way to hide it.

“You’re pregnant…” he breathes, looking between my face and the bump. Pain flashes in his irises. Andrew pushes it away, letting the smile spread on his lips, but I’ve seen it and I can’t help but wonder how he must feel. After everything he and Jeanette went through... “You’re pregnant.”

“Fifteen weeks.”

Andrew opens his mouth, but no words come out. Shaking his head, he takes a step closer and pulls me in for a hug.

We hold each other, probably longer than necessary, but I don’t mind it one bit. After all, we have a lot to catch up on.

“Ready to go home?”

I can feel my whole body tense. I’m not ready to go back—I’m not sure I’ll ever be—but I can see the yearning in both their eyes. Theywantme back. I’ve never been wanted before, never known what it’s like to have people stand in my corner and love me despite everything.

Staying in Virginia would be so easy. I could be whoever I wanted to be without carrying the burden of the darkness from my past, but I know I can’t do it. Not now when I got a glimpse of how it could be if I decided to let people in.

I could have a family. For the first time in my life, I could have a family of my own making. And not just me, but my baby too. It would be selfish to rob him of a father and uncle just because I’m scared.

But even that doesn’t make it easier.

Inhaling, I take a step back.

“Let’s go home.”

Chapter Sixty-Five

BROOK

“I’m not sure this was the best idea,” I repeat once again, my eyes glued to the road in front of us. We are a few minutes away from our final destination, and my inner panic attack is reaching its peak.

The boys didn’t want to wait, and to be completely honest, I was sure I’d chicken out if we didn’t leave as soon as possible. So after I told them I’d go back to Greyford, I went to look for Mrs. Perry to explain what was going on. We practically chased the woman out of her own home so I could deal with my problems.

When I was done, she nodded in understanding, but still offered, once again, for me to stay. Declining her offer, I went back upstairs to pack what little things I had, and after I arranged with Mrs. Perry to send my paintings to her sister, we were on our merry way.

The trip that seemed so long the first time around seemed to pass in a flash now that we were going back. My nerves were all over the place, because apparently, Andrew was now living with Derek. A little tidbit they told me once we were already in the car, and I agreed to stay with him.

“We’ll check some apartments tomorrow,” Andrew promises once again.

---