Page 15 of Faith
“Berkeley, this is my sister, Nina. Nina, Berkeley keeps this place running. We wouldn’t be here without her,” Montgomery said.
Berkeley’s gaze strayed to Montgomery and lingered. She opened her mouth in a small O of shock. She recovered quickly and smiled warmly at Nina. “It’s so nice to meet you.”
Nina breathed a laugh. “Thanks. It’s good to know my brother has had someone watching out for him.”
Berkeley grinned. “I’m doing my best, but he’s a challenge.”
Nina nodded. “But he’s worth it.”
“Yes, he is,” Berkeley said.
Something unspoken passed between the two women, and Nina reached out and hugged Berkeley.
Berkeley was surprised by it, but returned the hug with a smile.
“Let’s go to my office,” Montgomery said roughly, interrupting them and moving to the secure door that led to the offices.
Zeke wasn’t sure if he was invited. The look Berkeley gave him said she didn’t know either, but Zeke followed anyway.
Nina looked around the space as the three of them walked through, Montgomery in front, Nina in the middle, and Zeke protecting from behind.
Zeke couldn’t guess how many times they’d moved through crowds, war zones, open spaces the same way. It was ingrained in them to protect someone. The way neither of them could when Nina left.
The office was quiet, most of the guys not in yet after the late night. Zeke was grateful for it as they made their way to Montgomery’s office. Zeke’s was next door, as second in command at Rose Protection Agency. A position wasn’t sure if he still held.
Zeke closed the door to Montgomery’s office and took a seat next to Nina in the guest chairs. Montgomery sat on the other side of the desk, hands folded, staring at Nina.
Nina flashed Zeke a look, then focused on her brother. “Monty, I’m sorry. I… I didn’t think you’d be in the area.”
Montgomery closed his eyes. “I never thought I’d hear your voice again. See you. Be in the same room as you.” He drew a breath and opened his eyes, emotion flooding them.
Zeke knew how Mont felt. It was the same way he felt. Relief, regret, love, vengeance. The emotions flickered in Mont’s eyes as he stared at his sister.
“Is it really you?” Mont whispered.
Nina stood and moved around the desk. She leaned down and threw her arms around her brother’s neck. “It’s me, big brother. I’m back. And I’m alive.”
Montgomery let out a shuddering breath and pulled her onto his lap. He held her tight, like Zeke had done the night before.
Zeke stared at them, hating himself for not giving them the moment alone. He hated himself for not stopping her all those years ago. For not following her or something. He was the reason for all the pain they were experiencing. He could have changed everything, but they were together again.
Zeke stood quietly, moving toward the door. “I’m going to clean out my office.”
“Sit your ass down,” Montgomery barked. “You brought her back to me. You’re not going anywhere.”
“It’s all my fault. We all know it. I shouldn’t have let her leave. And when she came back, I should have told you. All of this could have been avoided if I’d been a better friend. A better man.”
“You’re the best man I know,” Montgomery said, easing Nina off his lap and standing. He came around the edge of the desk, Nina following him. “There’s no one I want running this place with me, watching my six, more than you. And I forgave you for her leaving years ago. If I still blamed you, you would have known it.”
“You were pissed last night,” Zeke argued.
“I was… I was all kinds of things last night. Angry, hurt, scared, hopeful. I couldn’t handle it all. But the only person to blame for all of that is the man who had her. Not you, not me, not her. Just one person. And we’re going to find him and make him pay for what he did to her. Together.”
Zeke nodded. “He won’t get away with it.”
“It’s not a he,” Nina whispered.
“What?” Zeke and Montgomery asked together.
