Page 156 of The Betrayal

“What the fuck gives you the right to even say that to me?”

“I am looking out for Arizona, I will always protect her...” he steps towards me, “even if that means from you.”

“I have never once hurt her or upset her until you, you big, tall, idiot came into the hospital room like a raging bull,” I laugh a little, “so maybe I should be protecting her from you?”

And that winds him up.

“What?”

“Yeah, we were fine until you came in all angry and shit,” I stand tall, as he steps towards me.

His eyes burn into mine, but he doesn't scare me. Never has. He can throw a punch, sure, but that's about it.

“I will never leave her, the only time I will is when she tells me to leave. But you? Nate? Kaleb? Killian?” I laugh, “fuck no, she's my wife, the mother of my children. I love her with everything I have and if that means losing you as a friend after all this time?” I pause for a moment, and I can see the rage filling Titus's eyes. “Then fine.”

And that's when he unleashes his anger on me. But I don't take it this time. No, this time I fight back until we're both bruised, bloody and sitting back on the curb like two naughty schoolboys.

“Do you feel better?” I ask, poking the bear.

“Not remotely.”

“That's a shame,” I nod.

“I am done with this, with us,” Titus groans as he stands up.

“Yeah?” I ask, looking up at him.

“Yeah,” he nods before he turns and walks away.

Not going to lie, fucking broke my heart.

CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX

ARIZONA

He told him.

After everything we had been through, he told my dad my secret. A secret that wasn't his to tell yet he done it anyway no doubt for his own gain. My chest now hollow, where only moments ago my heart beat along to the pretty song that only he could hear. A song that only played for him. And now there was nothing. My chest ached. Emptiness caving in and cracking where he had once filled. Everyone I love in my life leaves. Whether that be my fault or theirs, they always leave and I am the only one it hurts.

My mom.

My dad.

Lucy.

Keaton.

Things will go back to normal with my dad eventually, but our wounds have only been patched up with band aids. But still. He left me, replaced me and now it's just me and my babies.

Alone. Again.

I catch the glisten of my engagement ring and hold it up in front of my face, a weak smile trembles across my lips.

How did it all fall apart that quick?

Letting my hand slowly fall into the duvet, I sink under it and cry myself to sleep. Because honestly, as much as he has hurt me, I've hurt myself more by telling him to leave.

I wake, eyes blurry and they feel swollen. I can hear movement in my room and slowly sit up to see a figure at the side of my bed, checking my monitors. I turn to look at the time, it's ten past ten. Not late, but also not the usual time Becca comes in.