45

CARLY

The car became dead silent.

We finally arrived at the cabin. Sax punched some codes, and the gate slid open.

Once we parked, my heart started beating wildly. My nerves began to rattle me. I blew breaths a thousand times, but it was worthless.

“Just be honest and be yourself.” Linden held my arms. “You can do this.”

“Not so long ago. You wanna wring my neck.” I glared at him.

“I’m protective of my brother. And I will never stop doing that.”

I nodded. “I know. Thanks for taking care of him while I was away.”

“Good luck.”

“I badly need that.”

Zee came up to the porch with me to unlock the door. “Take a breath.”

“Thanks.”

My pace was unbelievably low as my knees began to weaken. I was already in the living when Rome just walked downstairs, and he had not seen me.

God, he still looked incredibly handsome despite his growing beard. He was in a simple white t-shirt and jeans and may have lost a few pounds, but he looked perfect in my eyes.

My heart told me to run to him