Page 14 of The Truth of Our Secrets

“Whaaat?” I stammer and slowly blink.

“He texted me and I never got it, but get this, Emmet’s still mad. He doesn’t believe it’s my phone’s fault and can’t be a part of my life.” She starts sobbing.

God, I’m a total asshole. But maybe the universe is on my side. Protecting her from a violent guy. She doesn’t deserve his anger. This is for the best.

I gather her in my arms, stroking her hair. I’m not even sure what to say. But Alec charges over, out for blood.

My wife’s blood and that’s the final straw with him.

“What the fuck did you do to Em? You’re the reason he’s been upset this week, aren’t you?!” he shouts, not giving a damn who hears him.

“Alec,” I say as a warning to leave us the fuck alone.

He turns his rage on me. Fine as long as he doesn’t focus on Madyson. “Stop acting like she’s fragile and needs your protection. Let her deal with her own shit. Especially the shit both of you caused.”

“You’re out of line.” I take a step toward him so Madyson’s behind me. Alec’s not touching her.

“What are you going to do? Beat me up for telling my best friend the truth? That her actions have consequences. That she needs to consider she’s not the center of the fucking universe and other people’s feelings matter.” If he gets any closer to her, it’s game over.

Mads grips my arm and her touch calms my bloodlust.

Madyson steps up to my side, and continues to argue with Alec, not backing down. Alec accuses us of fucking, then ghosting Emmet. Over my dead body will that man ever be in our bed.

“That’s not what happened,” I grit out, enraging Alec.

“He was half in love with you back in high school. And Em looked up to him.” He jerks his thumb at me. “You can’t take advantage of the kid’s feelings.”

“He’s no fucking kid.” I grab a handful of his shirt, done with his shit and his outrageous accusations.

“Get your hands off him.” Violence hangs in Von’s words as he appears out of nowhere.

“This doesn’t concern you, Von.” My blood’s pumping. This is typical Alec. Ready to blame Madyson. Getting reinforcements.

“If you don’t move away from him, it’s going to be a concern for everyone here.” Von’s ready for a fight. What the fuck is hisproblem? Madyson has single-handedly put his career on the fast track.

I release Alec’s shirt, but he needs to stay away from Madyson from now on.

Von reaches over Alec and spreads a palm on my chest. I’m too stunned to react.

Alec bounces and tilts his head up to kiss Von.

The rational part of my brain understands the situation. They’re together. But on cue, my wife loses her fucking mind. I close my eyes, unprepared for this meltdown.

“What’s happening?” Madyson cries.

“Von doesn’t like it when people mess with what’s his. And that’s me.” Alec juts his chin out. “I’m his,” he declares defiantly.

She’s in shock.

Her heartbreak guts me.

Chapter seven

Jayce

As we reach our apartment, a few tears trickle down her face.

I steer her to the love seat and then grab a bottle of water. Once we’re comfortable, I take her shoes off and rub her feet.

---