Page 11 of Word to the Wise

“Sage, I’ve got it. I’m not a heartless asshole.” I plant my hands on the counter and square off with him. “No going out. No bringing people over. I’ll be here for her. Okay?”

Sage wasn’t blind to my crush on his sister last time she was in town, but what he doesn’t realize is that this has become bigger than that.

The moment she showed up, it wasn’t about me wantingher. It’s about me wanting hersafe. I’ll pay whatever price.

Getting laid isn’t worth more than Reed’s life. And the fact that Sage thinks I’d even consider it shows just how little he knows me.

“She’s safe. I’ll protect her,” I say.

Sage walks over to the opposite side of the counter, glancing down the hallway before looking at me.

“I know you will.” He works his jaw. “I had the guys look into you, Mason. I know exactly what you’re capable of.”

I’m not surprised. It was bound to happen at some point. With Sage’s connections and me working at the shop, he was bound to dig up a little dirt.

“Don’t worry.” His tone softens. “I don’t judge, and I don’t need the whole story. What I do need is someone who isn’t afraid to stand up to her douchebag ex if he tries to get to her, and I want to believe you’ll do it. Am I right?”

“You’re the one who looked me up.” I click my tongue. “So, I’m guessing you already know the answer to that question.”

Sage nods, and I wonder how long he’s had that information. Maybe long enough to explain why he gave me so much shit the first time his sistercame to town.

I don’t blame him.

I’ve done some unforgivable things.

But regardless of what I’ve done, I wouldn’t take advantage of Reed. She’s hurting, angry. Not to mention, she’s way too fucking good for me. She’s the kind of girl you give more than just one night to, and that’s not something I offer anyone.

Sage’s phone pings with a text that breaks his focus. He digs into his pocket and pulls it out.

“Lyla.” He types out a response to her. “I have to come into the city tomorrow to help Blaze with something, so I’ll bring her by in the morning as long as she’s feeling up to it.”

“She sick?”

His gaze flicks up, hesitation flaring with my question. Tucking his phone in his pocket, he dips his thumbs in and shrugs. “Lyla’s pregnant. She told me a few minutes before you called.”

“Fuck, congratulations, man.”

A broken smile tilts in the corner of his mouth, and I’m sure it’s from the roller coaster of emotions from the evening.

“It’s all a lot to process tonight. But at least this is good news.”

“It’s great news, man.” Even if I can’t imagine being anywhere near ready to take on that kind of responsibility myself.

Sage is only a couple of years older than me. But I guess they’ve known each other since they were kids, so they had decades to prepare and get readyfor this.

“Well don’t leave your girl at home, feeling sick all alone. I’ve got this here.”

“Thanks.” Sage pauses for a moment, looking around me to the dark hallway, and back to me again. “I owe you one.”

“No, you don’t.”

“She’s my sister, so I do. Thanks for letting her stay here. It means a lot.”

I nod, the protective urge inside me cresting against my fear that I shouldn’t be trusted when I’ve failed before.

But I hold that in. I don’t let my fear gain traction.

I’m not letting anyone get to Reed when I promised her safety the second she burst through my door. She’s handed me her trust. I told her I’d take care of her, and I’m going to keep that promise.

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