Chapter 262: A Traumatized Brother
Natalie~
Zane’s arms wrapped around me the moment I stepped off the last stair. His warmth. His scent. The steady, fierce rhythm of his heart. Everything I’d needed after the wreckage of what just happened upstairs. I pressed into him with a sigh, and I allowed myself to breathe.
His hand stroked my hair gently. "Are you okay?" His voice was low, roughened with concern.
I leaned into his chest. "I am now. It’s over. All of it."
Zane pulled back just enough to see my face, his eyes scanning mine like he was searching for cracks. "You did the right thing, Natalie. I know it wasn’t easy, but... you did good."
That did something to my chest. Made it ache and swell at once. I hugged him tighter. "Never again," I whispered. "I’m done letting people ride on my kindness. Griffin made his choice. Now I’ve made mine."
"Damn right you have," came Fox’s voice from the hallway.
We both turned to see him strolling toward us with his usual swagger. His red hair looked even brighter under the hallway lights, and those golden eyes sparkled like fire.
He smirked. "Cute little hug fest you two got going here. But if you’re done, I’ll handle Griffin. I’ve got just the right amount of sass and fire to show him the exit."
I laughed, stepping out of Zane’s arms just enough to nod at Fox. "Thanks, Fox."
Zane gave him a grateful look too. "We owe you."