Page 115 of Truck Hard

“You don’t know him like I do.” The memory of finding Hannah unconscious in her driveway after Charlie’s last attack still haunts me. “He doesn’t need his fists to cause damage.”

Warren studies me for a long moment. “You can’t protect her from everything, man.”

“Watch me try.” The words slip out before I can stop them.

“And there it is.” Warren leans forward, suddenly serious. “You’re doing that thing again—trying to carry the weight of the whole world on your shoulders.”

“I’m not—”

“Yes, you are.” He cuts me off again. “Just like you did our entire lives. Taking care of all of us, making sure the shop stayed afloat, being everyone’s rock. But Hannah isn’t one of your kid brothers who needs looking after. She’s a grown woman who needs to find her own strength.”

The truth in his words stings. “I just… I can’t lose her again.”

“You won’t.” Warren’s voice softens. “But you have to let her fight her own battles sometimes. Otherwise, you’re just another man trying to control her life.”

“Yeah, I know.” I admit. The last thing I want is to be another source of pressure in Hannah’s life. She’s had enough of that with Charlie.

A commotion from the garage draws our attention. Through my office window, I can see Ash and Mac arguing over something while Chase eggs them on. Some things never change.

“Come on.” Warren stands, jerking his head toward the door. “Let’s go see what those idiots are fighting about now. Better than watching you brood.”

I follow him out to the garage floor where Ash has Mac in a headlock while Chase doubles over laughing. Christian watches from the sidelines, trying not to smile.

“What’s going on out here?” I demand, falling easily into my role as eldest brother.

“Mac’s being a dick,” Ash says, tightening his hold while Mac flails.

“Am not!” Mac protests. “Ash is just mad because I said his custom paint job looks like a five-year-old did it!”

“It does not!”

“Does too!”

“Jesus Christ.” I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Are you twelve?”

“Technically,” Chase pipes up, “they’re sharing one brain cell, and it’s Ash’s turn with it today.”

That sets everyone off laughing except Ash and Mac, who both flip Chase the bird in perfect sync. Even I can’t help cracking a smile. My brothers might be idiots sometimes, but they never fail to lighten the mood.

“Alright, break it up.” I wade in to separate Ash and Mac. “We’ve got actual work to do.”

“Spoilsport,” Ash grumbles, but he releases Mac.

Mac straightens his shirt with exaggerated dignity. “I still say that paint job looks like shit.”

Before Ash can lunge at him again, Warren steps between them. “How about you both shut up and get back to work before Liam has an aneurysm?”

That gets their attention. They all know I’ve been on edge lately, worried about Hannah and the hearing. My brothers exchange glances before dispersing back to their respective projects, though I notice they keep shooting concerned looks my way.

I head back toward my office, but Christian catches my arm. “Hey. She’ll be okay, you know. Hannah’s tougher than any of us gave her credit for.”

Coming from Christian, who usually keeps his thoughts to himself, the words carry extra weight. “Yeah.” I manage. “I know.”

“And if Charlie tries anything—” He leaves the threat hanging, but I can see the protective fire in his eyes. My brothers may give me shit, but they’ve all grown to care about Hannah and Cam.

Back in my office, I try again to focus on the paperwork, but my eyes keep drifting to my phone. No messages yet. The hearing should be coming to an end.

Please let her be okay.

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