Page 162 of Rush the Edge

After dropping seventy-five thousand into the hands of someone I’d like to rip to shreds, Miles followed me out to my car and remained quiet until we crossed the state line.

That was when the silence broke.

I’d heard his sorry excuses before, going in one ear and out the other. But this time, things were different. Miles could take me down with him, but the moment Daisy was involved? That was where I drew the line.

And to think, she’d been involved from day one.

I didn’t need another apology from him, or confirmation that Daisy took him to and from gamblers anonymous meetings before leaving for college, or how she checked in on him from time to time during the one year he was apparently clean.

Instead, I need him to change, and if he’s not willing to change, then he’s out of my life.

I had never let myself think about the moment I’d show up on my mom’s doorstep again, but for the sake of Daisy, I went with my brother with his head hung low beside me.

I didn’t waste any time cutting to the chase.

It was a hard pill for her to swallow, but the moment Miles nodded, confirming the actual truth, a tear slipped over her cheek, learning that she'd been fooled all these years. I left without a goodbye, too pent up with nervous energy and mixed emotions.

Those emotions are wired even tighter now as I head to the thirtieth floor back at the apartment complex.

I rap my knuckles on Daisy’s door, having no idea what I’m walking into.

When the door swings open, I tense. River narrows his eyes, unmoving from the doorway.

I flex my jaw. “I let you hit me once. That’s all you get.”

He flicks his eyebrow. “You didn’tletme hit you. I saw the surprise on your face.”

I put my hands in my pockets. “Actually, I was surprised at how much it stung. Who taught you how to throw a punch again?” I think for a second, knowing very well that I was the one who taught him. “Oh, wait. That was me.”

“River.” Daisy’s sweet voice hits my ears from somewhere in the apartment, and my nerves calm.

He surprisingly moves to the side, and I walk inside.

I find her right away, sitting on the couch with a blanket wrapped around her. Strawberry-blonde tendrils of hair frame her face from the high ponytail on top of her head, and those sleepy eyes hit me right in the chest.

Forgetting all about River behind me, I stride directly over to her and squat down low so I’m on her level. “How are you feeling?”

She barely lifts a shoulder. “I’m okay.”

I’m not convinced.

“Are you okay?” she asks quietly.

I shoot her a look. “Don’t worry about me. Did you make it to Dr. Gibson’s? Did he do bloodwork?”

The smallest smile hints against her lips. “Yes, but I’ll be fine. I’ve been dealing with Lupus for a couple of years now. You don’t have to worry.”

I furrow my brow, ignoring the looming presence of River, who is probably plotting my death. “Well, I haven’t,” I argue. “I am worried.”

River makes a noise, and I flick my attention to him. His jaw is set, his gaze narrowed.

Daisy sighs with annoyance. “River, we talked about this.”

“Well, I’m still angry,” he grunts.

I slowly stand up and stare at him. Daisy, sitting quietly on the couch, is the only barrier between us.

“I’m sorry,” I say.

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