Page 79 of Beyond Question

Because of course she is.

I close my eyes as she stops in her tracks, then swivels toward me, eyes wide as they flick between me and the man standing directly behind me with his hand on my hip. But then her body slams into mine and her arms fly around my shoulders, and I realize that the last thing on her mind is finding me in a bedroom with Travis.

I wrap my arms around her and hold her close. “It’s okay, baby.”

Travis clears his throat then I feel him step past us. “I’ll um… I’ll be in the kitchen. Coffee.” I open my eyes and look at him as he drags his hand through his hair and steps backward away from us. He grimaces and shrugs, clearly uncomfortable.

It’s actually kind of cute seeing him awkward like this. He’s usually so composed and sure.

Bronte pulls back, holding my shoulders as she searches my eyes. “What’s wrong? Why are we here?” Her eyes flick around then land back on me. “Not that this place isn’t amazing, but—”

“Something happened yesterday, while I was at the office,” I begin. “Rylan and Cabot insisted I come home with them.”

She nods. “You’re scaring me. I barely slept.”

I wince. “I’m sorry, honey.” Guilt blooms in my chest, a heavy ache. She was out there on the couch, tossing and turning with worry, and I was in this comfortable bed with Travis, sleeping like a baby after he—

I cough, then give my head a subtle shake. “Let’s get some coffee, then I’ll tell you everything.”

“Are you sick?” Bronte’s voice cracks and my heart breaks.

“Oh, no, honey.” I cup her cheeks. “No, I’m not sick. Perfectly healthy.”

She draws a shaky breath, eyes flicking back and forth between mine as if she doesn’t fully believe me.

“I promise.” I slip my hand into hers and give it a squeeze. “I’m not sick.”

Bronte finally nods, then takes a deep breath and squares her shoulders. We begin walking toward the center of the home and she leans close to whisper, “This penthouse is what you warned me to stay away from? Really?” She laughs. “Seems unfair, gatekeeper.”

I nudge her shoulder with mine and admit, “It has been unfair.”

Ihave been unfair. To Bronte. To myself. And to every man I labeled a villain, assuming they were just like the monster I ran from.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Travis

I’m sure other men have been in my position before, but none of them are here now. None of them are here to tell me how to act when your girl is sitting on the couch beside her daughter, and you’ve been between both of their legs.

I keep pacing because I don’t really know where to go or what to do.

I want to be supportive. My body itches to be near Paige.

Especially now, when the moment of truth is upon us, and she’s about to tell us what’s happened to her in the past, what’s happening to her now.

My gaze flicks to her, then to Bronte, and I quickly look away, moving to stand near the fireplace.

Yeah. This is a good spot.

The fire is on, so it’s warm, and it gives me a reason to stand here that isn’t just awkwardness. I lift my arm and rest my elbow on the mantle. No, fuck, this feels posed. I drop my elbow and drink my coffee as I walk away from the fireplace. It’s too hot in here anyway. Why is that thing even on? It’sJunein New York.

I stride toward the breakfast bar, then stare at one of the chairs. Yeah, maybe I’ll sit here. The breakfast bar is a totally acceptable place to sit, and it’s attached to the living room, with this whole open floor plan concept Cabot’s got going, so I’m still in the room, still in the conversation.

Only… there is no conversation.

Everyone is quiet.

I slowly turn around and find all four sets of eyes on me.

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