Page 20 of The Desperate Warrior

Luke held his gaze. “Don’t you think you’re jumping the gun here?”

Brock didn’t answer. He wasn’t sure what to think anymore.

“Look, I get it. You’re worried about Trev becoming a bully. It gives me cause for concern, too. But think about it—he’s seven. Kids go through weird phases.” He paused. “This thing with Jules is more than that.” Luke’s voice dropped lower. “For the first time in your life, you found a woman who makes you a better man—and it scares you. Scares the crap out of you.”

He pushed out a dry, humorless laugh. “Trust me. I know what it’s like to run from something.”

They shared a long look, both knowing what the other was thinking. Luke had run from his problems. Straight into a bottle, just like their dad. And it had nearly destroyed him.

Brock was proud of his big brother for trying to put his life back together. When Luke came to live with him a few months ago, he was a mess—drinking like a fish, directionless. But then he found his rhythm. Getting on a strict routine had saved Luke. Sure, he’d gone a little overboard with the healthy food, shakes, supplements, and constant exercising, but if that was what kept him on the straight and narrow, who was Brock to complain?

Luke broke into his thoughts. “Like I said, I think you’re jumping the gun. Do you think Trev is in any danger with Adrian?”

Brock’s response was instant. “No, she’d never hurt him. He’s the only thing she cares about ... well, other than herself.” Brock was relieved that Adrian could actually love another person. Up until Trevor came along, he’d wondered.

Luke nodded, vindicated. “Okay, Adrian has her problems, but she tries to be a good mom. Trev’s not in any danger. You can’t put this all on him. You’ve got to live your own life. You can still be the dad you need to be and work things out with Jules.”

Brock rubbed a hand over his face. “I’m not so sure about that.” He was tired of talking this thing to death.

“Well, I am,” Luke said. “You need to listen to me. I know what I’m talking about here.”

Brock stared out the sliding glass doors toward the strip of beach just beyond the patio. He wanted to believe Luke was right. Wanted to believe that he could be with Jules and still do right by his son. But every time he looked at Trevor, he remembered what it felt like to be abandoned.

Another thought edged into his mind. Was this about fear?

His phone buzzed. He fished it out of the front pocket of his jeans and glanced at the screen. Tippin. He answered with a terse, “Hello.”

“Hey, man.”

“Why’re you calling? Aren’t you supposed to be on your honeymoon? In Ireland?”

“Yeah … just got here a few hours ago.”

“What’s going on?”

Brock waited for Tippin to speak. “Tippin?” Brock’s voice sharpened. “What’s going on?”

“It’s about Jules.”

The air deflated from Brock’s lungs like he’d been sucker punched. “What about her?”

“She was in a car accident.”

Brock’s heart stopped, and then it kicked into overdrive. “Is she— Is she okay?”

“She’s in the hospital in stable condition.”

He let out a shaky breath as relief trickled through him. “What happened?”

“Hit and run. They don’t have a suspect yet.”

His mind reeled a few seconds before snapping into place like a gun cocking. Just like that, a cold, precise clarity settled over him as he scooted his chair back and stood. He might be at a loss when it came to relationships, but he understood this.

He squared his jaw. “What can I do to help?”

Chapter 6

When Jules came hobbling out of the bathroom using her crutches, Nikki gave her a once-over.

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