Broken but Breathing (Jinx Tattoos 2)

“You can’t see it. But I can. I refuse to sit back and remain silent when I’m watching you go down a dangerous path.”

Her sister-in-law was a huffy, haughty bitch with a narrow view of the world. He knew her type. It didn’t bother him when people like her looked down on him. But he’d be damned if let anyone disrespect Es.

“I suggest you stop speaking before you say something you can’t take back. The only thing I’m encouraging Es to do is what makes her happy. You’re so desperate to get her back to where she was before the tornado, you never stop to realize she’ll never be that woman again. You think you’re doing what’s best for her? No, this is about you.”

“You have no—”

“Fuck that. I have every right. I’m being nice right now, but my patience is wearing thin, fast.”

“Are you going to let him talk to me like this?” Jolene asked.

“You’re out of line. I knew this moment would come. I tried my best to put it off for as long as possible.”

“So he’s the most important thing in your life now? Suddenly I’m chopped liver?”

“I never said that—”

“You didn’t have to,” Jole barked.

“I can’t be Estelle Noll again because she doesn’t exist. I’m sorry if that disappoints you. I have to do what makes me feel alive. I spent so long feeling like a zombie. I deserve happiness.”

“I never thought you didn’t. But this, a tattooed bad boy—”

“You know nothing about him,” Es said. Her voice was deep and held the promise of violence. It made his dick jerk. He’d never seen his little one so fierce. The woman, Jole’s, lower lip trembled. He would feel bad for her if she hadn’t come for him incorrectly.

“I don’t know what to say. I think it’s best if I just leave and give us both some time.”

Es’s shoulder dropped and he could practically see her retreat inward.

“You know where I am if you need anything,” Jole said. She moved to the door, and he stepped out of the way.

“Jolene,” Es began, turning and wrapping her arms around the woman’s body; her shoulders shook, “I love you. You’re my best friend, but what I’m doing now are things I have to do. Please understand that.”

“I’ll try,” Jolene whispered, kissing her cheek before she continued out the door. Es rested her forehead against the surface and sobbed.

Stepping up behind her, he pulled her body flush against his. “Hey, you did nothing wrong.”

“That’s not how it feels,” she whimpered.

He placed an arm above her and curved his body around her, wishing he could protect her from this pain. He pressed a kiss to the back of her head.

“I’m sorry I screwed up your night. It wasn’t my intention.”

“No.” She hiccupped. “This has been a long time coming. The minute she found out I took the job at Rain we were at odds. It’s been so long with only the two of us here. My parents are supportive, but there isn’t much they can do from England.”

“Well now you have me, too,” he said.

She gave a wet laugh. “My support.”

“For as long as you need me.”

“That could be a long time. As you can see, I’m a mess.” She leaned back against him.

“I’m okay with that.”

“I’m sorry. You walked right into a domestic dispute.”

“I’m proud of you. You stuck up for yourself and drew your boundaries like we talked about.”