Page 49 of The Desperate Warrior

“But Mom said it,” Trevor cried. “She said you were moving back in.”

Jules took a snapshot of the tight set of Brock’s broad shoulders. She could feel his anguish as if it were her own.

“Trevor, I’ll always be there for you. When I get back, we’ll go and get that pizza, okay? The biggest one you’ve ever seen.”

Trevor sniffled. “Why did you lie to Mom? Why won’t you come home?”

“I didn’t lie. I would never lie to you. I love you, son.”

“I love you too,” Trevor huffed.

“Can I talk to your mom now?”

There was shuffling on the screen. A moment later, a woman appeared. She had luminous dark eyes, cascading dark hair, and a flawless complexion. Jules swallowed hard. It cut to know that Brock’s ex-wife was so stunning.

“Why did you tell Trevor that I was coming home tomorrow?” Brock's tone was clipped and cold. “You know that’s a bald-faced lie.”

Adrian’s voice quivered. “Why are you attacking me? I just want you to come home. Is that too much to ask?”

“Adrian, first, you lied about Trevor bullying kids at school. Now this? What’re you trying to pull?”

“We need you,” she said plaintively. “I need you.”

“Adrian, no. That’s not happening. I can’t do this again.”

“Is it because of her?” Adrian spat. “You’re with her, aren’t you?”

Jules flinched at the accusation.

Brock raked a hand through his hair. “This isn't about Jules.”

“Of course it is,” she raged. “I’ll bet she’s pretending to be in danger. What a home-wrecker.” Disgust marred her beautiful face.

Jules’s spine stiffened.

“She’s not pretending,” Brock snapped. “She was in a car accident. Her life is at risk.”

“You never could resist playing the hero,” Adrian spat.

“Enough,” Brock growled.

“What happens when the danger’s over? Are you going to stay there and play house with her while your son begs for you to come home?”

Jules felt like her entire body was under siege by a swarm of bees. This woman was so mean and spiteful.

Brock took in a breath. When he spoke, his voice was surprisingly calm. “Trev is my son, and I’ll always be there for him. But you and I are over. We were over a year ago, and that’s how it’s gonna stay.”

Adrian’s eyes shimmered. “But I love you.”

“Adrian, when we were together, you treated me like dirt.”

“I’m sorry,” she cried. “I’ve told you that over and over. Can’t you just give us one more chance?” Her lower lip trembled. “I’m begging you.”

“I’m afraid that’s not possible,” Brock said with a note of finality.

Adrian’s voice grew sharp. “Tell me the truth—what is Jules to you?”

Behind him, Jules inhaled sharply. Brock turned and saw her. Their eyes locked. His anguished expression tore at her. For the first time since he’d broken up with her, Jules got an inkling of the torture Brock had been going through.

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