Page 65 of Between Regrets and Promises

“Anything for a scandal.” I groan, rolling my eyes.

Serena turns on my street, then pulls into the driveway.

“You okay?” Her voice softens.

“Yeah, I’ll be fine. I’m exhausted and need to decompress.”

A small smile touches her lips. “Also, I know how you feel about your dad being in your business, but you may want to thank him. He literally saved your ass quicker than I could’ve. No one cares about an attorney, but when the DA walks in, shit moves a little faster. It’s kinda magical.”

“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were a fan. You in line to be the third Mrs. Holt?” I tease, and she makes a gagging sound. Sometimes, it’s too easy to give her shit.

“You know it’s complicated. I don’t want to owe him anything because he holds it over me. I promise you, the only reason he was there was to beat the reporters. Any longer and he’d have a fire to put out, and he’s worried about appearances. Always has been. That much hasn’t changed and never will.”

She leans her head against the seat. “He’s a hard-ass, but I don’t think he’s a bad guy. I do believe he cares about you, but I’ll stop now. I’m not a therapist, just a lawyer.”

I chuckle. “Thanks. So how’ve you been?”

“Good, Mason. Real good. Working a lot, living that lawyer hustle life. How about you? Landed that dream job yet?”

A lump the size of a golf ball forms in my throat. “Depending on how all this goes will ultimately determine that. There’s a guy retiring in forensics in the fall, and I've pretty much been guaranteed his position, but I don’t know anymore.”

Serena grabs my hand and squeezes but then pulls away. “It’s all gonna work out. It always does.”

“Yeah, I hope.”

We sit, listening to the hum of the engine, both lost in our thoughts. So much has happened over the past few years. I’ve worked so damn hard to earn that promotion, and this one night could ruin my entire career. But if that’s what it ultimately took to make sure Sophie was okay, then I’d sacrifice it all a hundred times over.

Serena breaks the silence. “I’ll pick you up on Monday at seven thirty. That way I know your ass will be on time,” she says, snickering. “Also, I might need to chat with Sophie. If the case isn’t thrown out, we may need her to testify as a character witness.”

“I’m sure she’ll do whatever you need.” Talking about Sophie with Serena is awkward, and I’m glad she hasn’t asked me anything personal.

“Well, get some rest and try to stay out of trouble for the next forty-eight hours, alright?” she teases. “No more excitement for a long while.”

“Trust me when I say I’ve had enough for a lifetime. Thanks for everything,” I tell her as I reach for the handle.

“You’re welcome. Call me if you need anything, even if it’s to talk,” she says.

“I will.” I open the door and stand in the driveway. She waves, and I watch her car until the taillights fade in the distance. I pull my phone from my pocket and realize how late itis and how exhausted I am. I’m ready to hit my bed as soon as I see it.

When I walk into the house, I notice how eerily quiet it is but can see a lump of a body on the couch. I take a few steps forward and hear Liam snoring, which means Sophie is in his bed. Though he can be a prick, he loves Sophie like a sister, and most likely refused to let her sleep on the couch, which makes me smile.

I climb the stairs and grab some clothes, then go to the shower. As the hot water streams over my body, I can’t stop thinking about the gun, then Sophie’s sweet face comes to mind, along with the makeup she used to cover the bruises that fucker left.

While I hate that a life was lost today, I think Weston was capable of causing irreparable damage to Sophie, if he hasn’t already. The thought of his mental and physical abuse has me seeing red again, but it’s over, and all I can hope is that she'll be able to heal.

Hopefully, Liam told her the details of today, but if she wants to know, I’ll explain it the best I can. My heart still aches for her and everything she’s been through. I wish she would’ve listened, but I’m convinced he wouldn’t have let her go so easily.

The water runs cold, and I take that as my cue to get out. I grab a towel and dry off, then get dressed. Instead of going to my room, I go to Liam’s and crack open the door. Moonlight splashes across the floor, and I can hear her steady breathing.

My sweet Sophie, I think to myself, stepping inside and going toward her.

I hate to wake her, but after everything, I need to see her, even if it’s to say I’m here for her.

And I always have been.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

SOPHIE

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