Page 136 of Hidden Bonds
“If this were different, and Jane’s life was in danger, we both know there’s nothing you wouldn’t do to save her.”
“We could have been killed.”
“He was looking for that sculpture and somewhere along the way he fell in love with you. I don’t think he meant any harm. He just wanted to find it so he could have a shot at giving Katya a good life. People make shit decisions when their back’s against a wall and the people they love are in danger.”
“Why does it sound like you’re encouraging this?”
Hunter smiles. “Because it’s what you want to hear and we both know it.” He laughs. “Besides, I think I know better than most how it feels to hurt because the person you love lied to you.”
“Ouch.” We both look back seeing Mark standing in the doorway with just sweats on. His bare feet hit the deck as he walks out here. “Let me guess, we’re talking about Aiden and using the thing I did to both of you as a reference?”
“Babe, it’s not like that.” Hunter grabs for him, tugging him down onto his lap. “I’m just saying that people do things when they’re afraid, and I can’t imagine how scared he must have been.”
“Take it from someone who’s been there. It sucks. I don’t know, he seems like a rough dude, but with you?—”
“He loves you, man,” Hunter finishes.
Mark nods. “You should have seen him at Lia’s. He was frantic. Hunter almost choked him.”
“What!?”
Hunter laughs. “I was pissed. I thought you were gone. I was so angry.”
“He didn’t care about anything but getting you out of there.” Mark smiles at me.
“At the very least you need to tell him you’re taking custody of Katya.” Hunter shrugs. “Give him that peace of mind. Let him know this wasn’t all for nothing.”
“Oh shit, really?” Mark asks, and I nod. “Wow, man. That’s huge.”
“I’ll figure it out, but I can’t let her go into into foster care. I can’t. How hard can it be?” I joke.
“Well, you have a handful of friends ready to help you at any point. Seriously, you need to start asking us all for help, and not just Noah. We’re all here to help you. You have a team of peoplebehind you. You’re not a burden. We all love you.” With Mark’s arm around Hunter’s shoulders, I watch them.
“I love you guys. Thank you. For everything. This month. This year.” I shake my head, combing my hair away from my eyes. My head hurts. My heart hurts worse. “This is so fucked.”
There’s so much to talk about, a lot for me to come to terms with. Everything’s a mess, but I can’t help thinking back. The quiet moments together. The way he looks at me. It’s different from the way he looks at everyone else. Soft and important.
Aiden told me he only gave a shit about his sister, but somehow along the way he gave a shit about me too.
My boy with a heart made of iron.
Who would do anything for his family.
Katya and Koda both.
I miss him so much.
“How weak would it make me if I forgave him?”
“You’re not weak.” Hunter smiles, looking up at Mark. “You’re in love.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
SAWYER
I’m notsure I remember how I got here, how fast I walked, or even how I’m still moving with the absolute nerves rattling my gut as I walk through these woods. Ivan’s gone. I need to remind myself that Ivan’s gone. And Katya’s gone somewhere with Koda for now.
It’s not fair to ask him to watch her. I know that. And shit, he’s my brother too. This is such a mess. My mind is still trying to fit all the pieces together, and I know that deep down Aiden isn’t at fault.
