Naughty Boys

“Simone.” Luke grabbed my arm. “Hey, hey, don’t cry.”

Through my tear-filled eyes, I saw Jamie and Nate look very concerned. So, I wiped my eyes and forced myself to produce a smile. “Sorry. I think I’m going to turn in early. Sorry.”

“But—” Jamie objected.

“Sorry.” I pulled my arm from Luke and stormed into my room.

I cried silently in my bed until long past midnight. My sleep was restless. In my dreams, I kept seeing my mother with her disapproving glare. “You’re the worst daughter.”

By the time the dawn came, I was thoroughly convinced that I deserved every misfortune that I’d ever been through.

I made up my mind to leave Bellwood in the morning. I knew the Codys would object about me leaving, so I didn’t tell them anything. I did my routine chores as usual. However, the heavy air around the breakfast table hung like dark clouds. Even my fake cheeriness failed to improve the mood.

Jamie put down his fork and broke the ice. “Can I ask what that was with your aunt last night?”

I could feel the color draining from my face. “It was nothing. A cranky old woman, that’s all.”

“You know you can talk to us, right?” Nate added. “I heard what she said, and it’s ridiculous—”

“I’m fine,” I interjected. “I really am. Anyone want more bacon?”

Jamie and Nate traded a glance. Luke stared right into my eyes.

I pretended I didn’t notice and busied myself cutting my pancake. I shoveled it into my mouth and ate without tasting.

After breakfast, I did the laundry and ironing. I wanted the guys to have clean clothes when I left. Jamie went to the building site. Luke had a call from the office and took off. Nate was in his room doing his trading work.

It was time for me to go.

Sayonara everyone.

I’d made some sandwiches and a potato salad for lunch while waiting for the guys to do their routine stuff. I’d packed my measly belongings when I first woke. I’d written my resignation letter too. I left it on the table in the kitchen. I carried my bags and box to the garage. My beat-up Chevy was parked next to Nate’s new SUV. I knew me leaving like this was despicable. Cowardice. I was coward. I couldn’t look them in the eyes and tell them I was resigning.

It was for the best. I’d fucked up my place of work and my sanctuary. I’d fucked up Jamie and Nate’s relationship. I didn’t deserve to be here anymore.

I opened the garage then started my car.

The damn thing wouldn’t start.

Great! It was as if the unpleasantness of yesterday kept bearing gifts. I’d made brothers fight. I’d shamed my aunt, and now my fucking car had gone kaput. I gave up my attempt to start the engine and lay my head on the steering wheel. I couldn’t believe this piece of shit had given up on me like everything else in my life. It was true then, misery loved company.

“Going somewhere?” said a voice.

I was startled.

Nate leaned on his SUV. His arms were folded in front of his chest. His handsome face scowled like a headmaster who’d caught his student doing something bad.

I gaped. Getting out of the car, I was lost for words. “I’m sorry for everything,” I said. “It’s better this way.”

“Bullshit. Better for whom?” Nate seemed genuinely pissed. “You’ve run away from problems your entire life. When are you going to start facing them? You ran from Bellwood. You ran from your ex and now you want to run from us?” Nate closed the distance between us in two steps and pinned me against the Chevy. He kissed me so suddenly that I didn’t have time to react. “I love you. You’re not going to run. Your home is here.”

I pushed him away. My throat was hoarse. My chest hurt. “I’m sorry. I can’t. I did terrible things in this household, and I can’t face anyone anymore.”

Luke’s truck pulled up behind the garage. The window was rolled down and I could see Jamie riding shotgun. The brothers got out of the truck. They didn’t seem surprised to see me leaving.

“Going somewhere?” asked Luke coolly.

“You need this if you want to leave.” Jamie dangled something in his hand.