Page 56 of Bittersweet Revenge

Luke raised his hand. “No, it’s alright, Esme. I understand.”

“Do you?” Archie asked, crossing his arms on his chest. “You lost your sister. Did you even imagine the agony I was in for not having mine?”

“It was much more complicated than that and I know you know that now.” Luke pointed at my engagement ring. “We both know there was a fate we wanted her to avoid. You tried to help her leave. I can imagine quite well how making this choice ripped you apart.”

Archie stood closer to me and wrapped an arm around my waist. “It was a painful and yet easy choice to make.”

I leaned against him, resting my head on his chest. “I love you, brother.”

Luke took the scene in with a small smile on his face. “But I'm happy she has you. I really am. At least I know that even in the midst of all of this, she has someone who loves her unconditionally and who will sacrifice everything for her. It helps me stay away knowing that I have you to protect her even in her crazy plan to find out who killed Victoria.”

Archie stood straighter. “I’ll do everything I have to do to keep her safe. There is no stopping her when she wants something.” He looked down at me with a fondness that made my heart ache. “I rather be by her side every step of the way than to have her do stupid things behind my back.”

Luke laughed at that. “Yes, our Esme always had a mind of her own.”

I looked at Luke. He looked much better now – even better than before I'd left. “You look good.”

He nodded. “Thank you, yes. I took this detox as a fresh start. I have a new steady job, you know. It’s turned my life around. The lawyer your friend Taylor sent said that in another six months William will not be able to bring any action against me. You’ll be able to come home then.”

Archie’s hand tightened almost painfully on my back, tension radiating from him.

“I see.” I nodded. It was something that I was sure William knew himself. This was probably why he set the wedding just after graduation, still within the six months where he still had a pressure point. “But it doesn’t really matter,” I said. “I’m not leaving Archie.”

Luke took a step back, rejection flashing on his face.

“I’m sorry. You know I love you, and no matter what DNA says, you are and always will be my father. I hope that if one day I truly marry I will have you walking me down the aisle, but Archie is my brother and I won’t leave him behind no matter what – even if he begs me to.”

“What are you saying?”

I shrugged. “I’m saying that, well, we haven’t discussed it yet, so it’s a little awkward, but I’m planning to move with him to Providence and do my thing. Study there.”

Archie’s face lightened so much I knew it was the right choice. “Of course, you’ll move in with me! And I have enough pull. I’ll get you in Brown too.”

Luke's look was full of sorrow and I was sad, but I knew he understood. He had loved Victoria deeply. He’d chosen her too when he’d taken me in, breaking the law.

He nodded. “I’m reassured you’re okay, but if you need anything...both of you...I’m only a call away.”

Archie nodded. “Thank you,” he offered and I knew it was a genuine gesture from him. I knew him enough to know his answer would normally have been ‘we don't need anyone’.

“Are you leaving already?”

“Yes. Coming here was already quite risky, but when Ben told me he was meeting with you I wanted to check on you in person just to make sure that what you said on the phone was correct. That you were well. You’re my baby girl. The fact that you’re eighteen and obviously well protected -” he pointed to Archie - “still won’t stop me from worrying.”

I nodded, thanking God that I didn't tell him I’d moved in with Caleb and that we strongly suspected someone had tried to kill me.

“Everything’s fine, Dad.”

He nodded again, taking off his cap. He ran his hand through his hair before putting it back on. It was something he did when he was nervous.

“What is it?”

“You know what you’re doing with Ben for your mom?”

“Ben’s not in danger,”

He sighed. “No, I know that, but I hope you both know how dangerous the path you’re taking is.”

I felt Archie turn to stone beside me and I knew he was about to lash out.

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