The Confession

“But all my worries were unfounded bullshit. I fucking sliced my biological father’s throat, and not one person here turned their back on me. Seth must see that.”

“It’s not the same. You had a bloody good reason for killing him. The man was a monster. Autumn and Tristan were innocents. They were Seth’s world.”

Liam’s words were a gut punch. “You still can’t convince me that he intentionally killed them. I’ll get him home and keep trying to open him up. When he’s ready to talk, I’ll listen and help put him back together, just like he did with me.”

“When that day comes, you will.” A ghost of a smile played at the edges of Liam’s mouth. “Go now.”

“Thanks, man.” Beck offered Liam his hand.

The other man pulled him in for a hug instead, and Beck was glad they had finally, truly become friends.

Then they both retraced their steps, Liam descending the stairs and Beck disappearing into the bedroom once more.

Heavenly was waiting, anxiously wringing her hands. “You weren’t gone long. What did he say?”

“I didn’t talk to Seth. Liam stopped me on the staircase. He says it would be best for us to pack up and take Seth home now.

Understanding lit her eyes. “Liam is worried about him, too?”

“Yeah.” Beck sighed as he dragged their suitcases from the back of the closet and tossed them on the bed. “That worries the hell out of me.”

“Me, too. I’ll help you pack everything, then we’ll get on the road. Hopefully, leaving here will help calm Seth’s distress. Maybe if he’s less…angry? Upset?” She shrugged. “Or whatever that was, then he’ll open up.”

Maybe. But Beck had a suspicion they’d need a crowbar, too. Seth seemed locked up tight.

They worked in near silence as they emptied the closet, drawers, and bathroom. As Beck zipped the last suitcase shut, Heavenly picked up her tote and nibbled nervously on her lip. “Ready?”

Beck scanned the room. “I think that’s everything. I’ll start loading the car.”

“I’ll find Seth. Any idea where to start?”

“Somewhere downstairs.” Beck pulled her into his arms, stroking a palm up her stiff back. “Hey, don’t worry. We’ll work this out, little girl. Seth moved across the country to be with you. He followed you to Vegas. He flew to Wisconsin to help you say goodbye to your dad. He’s been there every time you’ve needed him. He won’t just walk away.”

The worry etched into her expression said she wasn’t convinced. “But when I upset him last Christmas, he left me and flew back to New York. I didn’t hear from him for months. What if Seth doesn’t want to come home with us now?”

Her fear wasn’t unfounded, but Beck didn’t want her assuming the worst. “He will. Let him know we’re leaving. I’ll be close if you need me.”

“What excuse can I give him? Raine, Liam, and Hammer are staying at least until morning. Gloria and Buddy, too,” she said of Beck’s ex-wife and her fiancé. “What if he questions why we’re suddenly eager to go?”

“Tell him I want to get back to LA and check on Dean. It’s not a lie. I’m anxious to see how he’s doing and how River is holding up.” Since his best friend was gravely injured, Raine’s brother was probably a mess.

She nodded. “He won’t argue with that. But you know it’s not your fault your fam—I mean, those crazy people—attacked us?”

Beck loved that she was trying to take some stress off of him. “Yeah. But I’m crazy, too.”

“How?”

“Crazy about you.” Beck pressed his lips to hers, kissing off her little smile. Then he hugged her tight one last time before grabbing all their luggage. “Let’s go say goodbye to everyone.”

Without a word, she followed him downstairs. When they reached the main level, Beck stacked the suitcases beside the front door. When he turned, he caught sight of Liam in the kitchen. The rest of the group had clustered in the living room, which overlooked the back of the house. And through the windows, leaning over the porch railing, Seth stood, gazing across the pool and staring at the breathtaking vistas of the mountains and tall pines in the distance.

He looked solitary as fuck.

Stifling a curse, Beck threaded his fingers through Heavenly’s, then led her toward the others. “I hate to cut this party short since we had such a banging good time, but we’re, um”—he gestured toward Seth—“heading home.”

Gloria swatted his arm. “Kenneth Beckman, what an awful joke!”

“Too soon?” he quipped.