Page 43 of Faith
“Monty,” Nina breathed.
Monty smiled at her, the emotion in his eyes warming her heart. “I love you, sis. I’m so damn happy you’re back. And I’m sorry for making you think I would ever wonder which side you were on.”
Nina grabbed his hand and squeezed tight. When they were kids, she made a game out of trying to hurt him when she squeezed his hand. She never did, but holding his hand brought back the memory and she squeezed as tight as she could.
Monty laughed. “Still think you can hurt me?”
Nina grinned and squeezed harder. “One day.”
“I’ll take it.” Monty’s tone was not talking about Nina squeezing his hand.
“I love you, big brother.”
“I know. Thank you for coming back.”
“I couldn’t be happier that I am.”
“Good.” Monty pulled his hand from hers and picked up his plate. He patted her shoulder and hurried into the kitchen.
Nina watched as her brother put his dishes away and stared at the opposite wall for a minute, gathering himself and stuffing his emotions down.
Tears filled her eyes. She didn’t like making him cry, but it was so damn good to know he cared. To know she wasn’t as alone as she’d felt.
Nina’s gaze drifted to Zeke and found him watching her. The look in his eyes was similar, but so very different. The same level of care was there, but there was more. Guilt, like he confessed to. Desire, anger, curiosity, and maybe more. More than Nina could handle at the moment.
“I’m going to head home. If you guys are okay.” Monty walked back to where they sat on the couch and stood at the end, hands on his hips.
“Will we see you tomorrow?” Nina asked, getting up and wrapping her arms around his middle.
Monty hugged her tight and kissed the top of her head. “If you want to.”
“Absolutely.”
“Good. Then I’ll see you guys in the morning.”
“Not too early,” Nina said with a groan.
Monty chuckled. “I’ll try to remember.”
Nina nodded against his chest and inhaled deeply. He didn’t hate her. He hadn’t forgotten her. He was still right there. Saving other people’s sisters who needed help.
“Night, man,” Zeke said, carrying his plate to the kitchen and putting it in the dishwasher.
“Night.” Monty hugged Nina tight again, then released her and headed to the door.
Zeke followed Monty, and the two of them exchanged a few words Nina couldn’t hear. She waited for Monty to leave and Zeke to close and lock the door.
The click of the lock still gave her a moment of panic, but she was able to handle it better than the first night. Especially when she looked up and saw the look on Zeke’s face.
“Zeke?”
“I need to know you are okay. That you’re not afraid of me. That everything you went through…”
Nina took a step toward him, but Zeke backed up.
“I… Do you trust me?”
“Yes,” she breathed without hesitation. “Always, Zeke. I trust you more than anyone else on earth.”
