Page 87 of Rule

“I failed,” Bran said. “Our friendship is destroyedfor nothing.”

Court shook his head. “Our friendship isnot destroyed, Bran. If it was, would I have moved back in after Dana left?”

Bran finally looked at him. “You movedback in because you knew I needed help. Knew that I could not look after Bellaand work at the same time.”

“I moved back in because I missed myfriend,” Court said.

I blinked back the tears as Bran said, “Iam sorry, Court. I am sorry that I believed Dana’s lies, sorry that I did notobject when she no longer allowed you in our bed, sorry that I chose her overyou.”

Court took a deep breath. “I know, myfriend. I am sorry too. I know that you did not desire Dana for yourself and thatyou did not want me to leave. I left because Dana told me that she had never lovedme, and she would never mate with me or bear my children. She said that becauseshe was pregnant with your baby, I needed to do the right thing and leave thetwo of you alone to raise your children.”

Bran made a low sound of anger. “Why did younot tell me she said that?”

Court sighed. “You were about to be a father,and I knew that you loved Dana. If I told you that she had lied, you wouldhave been angry with her. I did not want to ruin your chance at happiness withher. So, I left.”

“I am sorry,” Bran said.

“I was jealous,” Court said abruptly. “I wasjealous and angry that Dana loved you but did not love me, and I have beentaking that out on you since I moved back. I am sorry. I should not have donethat. It is not your fault that Dana did not love me.”

“She did not love either of us or even herown child,” Bran said. “She was a selfish human who only cared about herself.”

They were both squeezing my hands so tight,that my fingers were starting to ache, but I didn’t say anything as Court staredat Bran. “I want our friendship to be the way it was before. Can it?”

“Yes,” Bran said.

They smiled at each other and I waited abeat before saying, “That’s it? You’re not gonna like hug it out or something?”

“Hug it out?” Court said.

“It means, like, well, when people areangry with each other and then make up, they hug each other,” I said. “It’s agesture of goodwill and apology, and any lingering anger or frustration is takenaway by the hug.”

Bran cocked his head at me. “I have apologizedand so has Court. We are no longer angry with each other. What need is thereto hug?”

I laughed and shook my head. “There isn’t.Forget I said anything.”

We sat in silence for a few minutes before Courtsaid. “Did you mean what you said earlier, Evie? That you would be happy tocarry mine and Bran’s children?”

“Yes,” I said. “You guys are incredible,and you will makeonelucky woman very happy someday. I promise you.”

Thinking of them with another woman broughton a wave of sadness and jealousy that was so painful, I couldn’t breathe. Iwanted to be that woman, wanted it desperately. I loved them both and the thoughtof them being with another woman…

Shit. Girl, you fell in love with them.What is wrong with you?

I choked back my bitter laughter. I was afool. I was in love with Bran and Court and in about a week, I’d never seethem again.

No, you won’t. So, are you going tospend that week moping around or are you going to spend it with the two men youlove, and make every moment count?

I straightened my back and swallowed down thelump forming in my throat. I would make the most of every damn moment.

I squeezed their hands and smiled at them.“I want you both tonight.”

Court glanced at Bran. “Are you certain, Evie?”

“Yes. I’m ready.”

“We can use the plugs for a few more nightsand then -”

“No,” I said, cutting off Bran. “I want tomake love to both of you together. Right now.”

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