Page 40 of Truck Up
“We don’t need you to find a solution for us. Christian and I will work this out on our own.”
“The hell you will.” Tanner steps up and grabs Amelia’s arm. “You’ll have nothing more to do with that man. He’s no good for you.”
Amelia jerks her arm away. Tanner tries to grab hold again, but Amelia is too quick. She steps out of his reach before he can catch her. “You don’t get to decide who I love, Tanner. No one does.”
“Love!” Linden and Tanner yell out at the same time.
“Who the hell said anything about love?” Linden asks.
“Shit,” Amelia mumbles and drops her face into her hands.
I feel all the color drain from my face as her words sink in. After all this time, we’ve never put words to our feelings. Our connection is strong and the thought of living without her is too gloomy to ponder. But I’ve always assumed it would end someday. It has to because of the feud.
But love? She can’t love me. There’s no way. I’m not worthy of her love.
“Lia,” I whisper. “You couldn’t possibly mean that.”
“Of course she doesn’t mean it.” Linden answers for her. “No one could love an addict like you.”
“Linden, don’t.” Amelia demands.
“Don’t what?” he asks.
“Don’t be an asshole.” She steps closer to him and pokes him in the chest. “I’m so tired of how you push me around and try to force me into relationships with your friends. Your friends are also assholes. You hang onto this feud like it’s your only means of survival when it’s stupid.” She holds her hands in the air and groans. “I mean, it happened so long ago. Does anyone really even know what really happened? Let it go.”
“Let it go?” He scoffs like what she suggested is criminal. “Do you hear yourself? We can’t let this go. They took what is rightfully ours.”
“No,theydidn’t!” Amelia screams. “They’re good people. Christian is a good person, and he makes me happy. Isn’t that what really matters?”
Linden shakes his head. “This can’t happen, Lia. You cannot be with him. You can’t lovehim.”
The way he sayshimmakes it clear all he feels toward me is disgust and hatred. Well, the feeling is mutual. Despite our hatred for each other, it pains me to admit he’s right. She can’t love me.
“Lia, please.” I wrap my arm around her waist and pull her close so only she can hear me. “You don’t mean that.”
She whips her head up and meets my stunned gaze. There’s a fire burning in her eyes that causes me to pull back. She’s ready for battle.
“Don’t you dare, Christian.” She pushes against my chest and forces me to let her go. “It’s been over two years. What did you think was happening between us?”
“Two years!” Tanner yells. “You’re gonna die, Mutter.”
Tanner lunges for me, but he doesn’t make it far. My brothers form a line between us, and Liam grabs him. I hadn’t even realized they had surrounded us. I’d been so focused on Amelia, the rest of the world faded into the background.
“There’ll be none of that,” Liam says. His tone is calm and collected. My oldest brother is always the voice of reason. “No one is fighting tonight. Besides, you’re outnumbered. You’ll never survive us.”
Tanner opens his mouth to argue, but stops. No matter what he wants to do, he knows Liam is right. They’re no match for us. Even if Jason and Aaron were here too, they still couldn’t take us down. We’re stronger and bigger.
Linden glares at Liam before he reaches for Amelia’s arm. “Come on, Lia. Let’s get out of here. We’ll deal with this at home.”
She jerks out of his reach. “I’m not going anywhere with you.”
“Lia!” He growls.
“No!” She stomps her foot. “I’m not doing this anymore. You don’t get to tell me how to feel or what to do. I’m a grown ass woman. I can decide what I want for myself.”
“Clearly not,” Linden mocks.
She growls and covers her face with her hands. “I can’t do this right now.”