Page 149 of Finding Redemption

“Reese, why did you leave me?” I struggle for air. “What did I do wrong?”

“Sometimes, people just don’t work.”

Jolted by her words, I take a step back, searching her eyes. A pang in the pit of my stomach tells me this is not the truth. “I don’t believe you,” I declare, narrowing my eyes.

She blinks rapidly, shocked by my words. “What?”

I rush her, pinning her to the wall. Leaning over her, I force her to look up at me. “I love you.” I brush my lips over her cheek, whispering, “I need you to hold on. Whatever you think will break me, won’t.”

I fist her hair, taking her lips with mine. My tongue sweeps over hers, and she surrenders to me. I invade her good senses, reminding her of our love. The boiling tension races to a frenzied desire as we submit to one another. I struggle with releasing her mouth as I hold her close to me.

“You’ll leave.” She closes her eyes tight. “I promise you, you will walk away.” Her breath ragged, she sinks her teeth into the spot my lips just left.

“Never. I promise you, no matter what it is. You’re everything I need.”

“Don’t say that.” Her eyes snap to mine. “You can’t make that promise. Even if you did, men leave. They run at the first sign of trouble.” She pulls away, trembling. “This is bigger than you or me.”

“I’m not the one running,” I declare, my pulse racing. “I’m still here. Find me.”

“Walker, if you think it’s easy for me to do this, you’re wrong.” She closes her eyes as tears roll from them. “I love you but sometimes, that’s not enough.”

I take her face. She leans into my hand, and I wipe away her tears. “Baby, you’re all I have. You and this love you give me. Love isn’t comfortable, it’s unexpected.”

“Why does this have to be so hard?” she gasps, her eyes searching mine.

“It doesn’t. Lean on me. I can handle whatever it is, Reese.”

She tilts her head away from my touch, slowly breaking our contact. “I’d be lying if I said I can live without you.” She trembles with her words. “But I have to.”

My gut rolls. “The hell you do. You’re choosing this for us.”

She glares at me. “You’re right. And now, I’m choosing to walk away.” She slams through the door, but I grab her hand. Her eyes flash to mine.

“I’m staying.” My eyes narrow when I see a spark behind hers. She jerks her arm from me, storming away. She rushes from the building, Alden closely behind her.

Riley and Ava stare, their mouths open. “What?” I cock my brow.

“Umm, I’m thinking that was a fight.” He narrows his eyes. “Not what we meant, at all.”

“Fighting for her and fighting with her are definitely two different things, dude.” Ava nods her head with her brows raised.

“Trust me, I staked my claim.” I grin, waggling my brows.

“Where at, in her foot?” Riley chuckles and we make our way to their SUV.

I roll my eyes at him. “Funny, asshole. She may run but she’s not hiding, not anymore.”

“There’s the man I know. About damn time,” Ava says as she tucks herself under my arm.

“Good, ‘cause I need your help.”

We drive to our parents’, my stomach in knots. I’ve suffered in silence long enough. And although I don’t know how to say what I need to, I can’t live another minute not saying anything. Besides, there’s no possible way I could hate myself more. It’s time I come clean.

Mom meets us at the door. “Hello, my babies. Ava, how are you?” She hugs each of us.

“We’re doing good.” Ava smiles, patting her belly.

“Where’s Dad?” I turn to her, shoving my hands into my pockets.