Defiance (The Protectors 9)

Nathan’s injuries had been pretty bad, but not enough to warrant a trip to the hospital. I’d gotten him on Ronan’s plane and headed back to San Juan Island, leaving Gage to deal with the authorities. I’d had to call in another favor with the FBI director to let him know I’d left another body in my wake. Like he’d done with the shooting when we’d gone after Ethan’s ex, the man had smoothed things over with the local authorities. While I still needed to give my statement, it was nothing more than a formality at this point.

I pressed kisses against Nathan’s neck as I held him. The relief at having him back in my arms was bittersweet, and my heart ached at what I needed to do.

“I love you, Nathan,” I whispered into his ear. I heard him let out a harsh sob and felt him nod against my neck. I had a feeling he knew exactly why I was telling him here and now because he wrapped his arms around me even tighter, a move that I was sure cost him what little strength he had left.

“Love you,” he said as he pulled back a little and kissed me. He pressed his forehead against mine. “Please, Vincent, we can figure this out.”

Pain exploded in my chest at his plea and I felt tears stinging my eyes. “Baby, remember your promise,” I said, my voice catching on the last word.

He let out a whimper and then crushed his face against my neck. I held him a while longer, and then got him out of the shower and dried him off. We didn’t speak again until I’d tucked him under the covers. “Go change the world, Nathan,” I said softly, right before I kissed him again. He closed his eyes after that.

Probably so he wouldn’t have to watch me walk away.

I barely made it out the bedroom door before the tears began to fall. I wiped them away and straightened. I came to an abrupt halt when I saw Brody watching me from the top of the stairs.

“Take care of him,” I told him, but I didn’t give him time to say anything back. I hurried down the stairs and grabbed my bag, which I’d left at the base of the stairs.

“Vincent.”

I turned to see Dom hurriedly walking towards me.

“I’ve got to go,” I said as I discreetly wiped at my eyes some more to get rid of the lingering tears. “My cab will be here any second.”

“I know. I sent it away.”

“What? Why?”

“Because if my old friend insists on running away, the least I can do is give him a goddamn ride,” he said impatiently.

He opened the door for me.

I eyed him warily as I left the house. My chest felt tight as I climbed into the SUV. It wasn’t until we were well on our way that Dom said, “So you’re really going to leave it like this?”

“Let it go, Dom,” I bit out.

“Just explain to me why you’re doing this,” he said.

I was already so raw that I didn’t even think about my words before I snapped, “Because it’s the only way to keep him safe!” I looked at him and said, “You want to know the truth, Dom? It hurts so fucking bad to know that one choice fifteen years ago brought me to this point!”

“What choice?”

“Your choice!” I snapped. “If I’d had the sense to pick your offer over the one I got, my brother would still be alive and I wouldn’t have to fucking live in Fort Knox and I’d have that amazing man” – I pointed in the direction of Dom’s house – “waiting for me when I got home every night!” I knew I wasn’t making sense, but I didn’t care. “But no, I had something to prove! I had to show those assholes how they fucked up when they sent me and David packing! All that fucking pride, and what did it get me? Nothing. Fucking nothing!”

I shook my head as I cast my eyes out the window. “It’s too damn late. I had my chance.”

Awkward silence flooded the SUV. God, I just needed to get the fuck out of here. The sooner I got back to normal, the better.

“If you had another one, would you take it?” Dom asked.

“Another what?” I bit out tiredly.

“Chance. Another chance.”

“What difference does it make?” I murmured.

“My friend, you have a lot to learn about us Barrettis,” he said with amusement. “We wrote the book on second chances. The question is” – he waited until my eyes met his – “how bad do you want it?”

Chapter 31

Nathan

“Ladies and gentlemen, please have a seat. Mr. Wilder will make a statement and then he’ll take a few questions.”

Preston patted me gently on the shoulder as he leaned down to speak into my ear so the microphone in front of me wouldn’t pick up the sound. “It’s been an honor, Nathan.”