Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 52227 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 261(@200wpm)___ 209(@250wpm)___ 174(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52227 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 261(@200wpm)___ 209(@250wpm)___ 174(@300wpm)
A glance at the clock on the microwave told her it was just after ten a.m. She was tired and anxious, her stomach still rolling too much for her to eat or hold food down.
She’d known since the night she’d seen his hands wrapped in bandages that something was going on with Aiden, and she had no doubt last night was related, as well. Because that SUV had been trying to hit them. She was sure the briefcase theft was another thing she could chalk up to whatever was going on with him.
“You look like you need this,” Brooke’s mom said, placing a fresh, hot cup of coffee on the kitchen island in front of her.
“Thanks, Mom.” She pushed aside the cold cup and added both milk and sugar to the new one. Taking a long sip, then another, the warmth helped and she hoped the jolt of caffeine would kick in soon.
Aiden was in the living room with his father, waiting for the rest of the siblings to come to the house. Aiden had something to share with everyone. And though he’d offered to tell her prior, she had chosen to take the time to pull herself together and hear it along with everyone else. She did appreciate him giving her the choice this time, before he made another family announcement.
Jared was the only sibling not coming today. Charlie was still in the hospital with the baby, and though they’d discharge her later today, he didn’t want to leave her side.
“How’s your chest feel?” her mom asked as Brooke drank her coffee.
“It’s sore,” Brooke said, wincing. Bruises had settled across her chest from the seat belt tightening as the car had spun out of control. “I’m still in shock.”
Her mom nodded. “I’m curious to hear what Aiden has to say. He didn’t tell you what’s going on?”
She shook her head. “I opted to wait for the rest of the family.”
The last time he’d made an announcement to the group, he’d broken her heart, but they’d reached the point where she could give him the benefit of the doubt.
“Let’s go see who’s here,” Brooke said. Taking her coffee, she and her mom walked into the crowded living room.
The vibe was completely different from last night at the hospital. By now, they all knew about the accident and knew it was the catalyst for this meeting. Still, the murmurs and question why reverberated around her.
The living room was large enough to seat everyone, but Brooke hesitated. Aiden was standing in front of his family, his obvious nerves causing his hands to jangle in front of him.
She met his gaze, and he extended an arm, encouraging her to join him. Something loosened in her chest as she strode toward him, the lingering fear of what came next no longer so strong.
He wrapped his arm around her waist in front of his family. Most of the Sterlings seemed unfazed. Brooke might have laughed about the way they already knew there was something going on between her and Aiden, but the seriousness of this situation kept her somber.
Aiden drew a deep breath and squeezed her close. “I have something I need to explain, and I know it’s going to be upsetting. I just ask that you wait until you know everything before we discuss it.”
A few of his siblings nodded, but no one said a word.
Aiden spoke for the next twenty minutes, revealing a story that began while he’d been abroad. The piece he’d been investigating. The death of his informant, leading to the desire to give up the job he once loved. How Jared needing him at Sterling Investments came at the right time. And the fact that he’d hoped returning to the States would end the harassment from abroad.
It hadn’t. And then everything she’d wondered about became clear. All three incidents were tied to the threats he’d received. Threats he told none of them about. Oh, he’d mentioned a dangerous story to her. And she’d been foolish enough not to push for more information.
Anger lanced through her. He’d opted to go through these traumatizing events alone. They’d had so many deep conversations as they reconnected, talking about trust, and he hadn’t said a word. A glance around the room told her his siblings were just as furious.
“What the hell, Aiden?” Fallon snapped, and Noah put a comforting arm around her. Or maybe he was trying to keep her on the couch because she looked like she was about to jump to her feet.
But Raven, Remy’s wife, couldn’t keep her husband seated, and he faced Aiden with a narrowed gaze. “Why the hell didn’t you tell me? You know damn well I have connections in the police department, and I could have had a protective detail put on you.”
Aiden released his hold on Brooke, and she stepped away, not wanting to make this about her. Obviously, Aiden was dealing with a lot, and now he had his upset family to calm down.