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“Then why are you placing the blame on your shoulders?”

“Because I should’ve been faster and stronger, da as I can remember to protect my mother and keep my brother safe I failed” His voice shook He closed histo speak any more on the touchy subject

“I think we’re both a little warped and worn, but that doesn’t ht?”

It was an olive branch he grabbed with both hands “Right”

An understanding passed between theun-shy, what they’d discovered was rare

She opened herher head

For now, it was enough that she reure out as they went

“Speak now or forever hold your peace, Sy you under my protection”

“With conditions” Her voice fell so low, he had to strain to hear it

“I’ll bend asyou safe and we disagree, I’ to back down”

She frowned

Don’t backpedal now, babe

“We’ll see how it goes”

The words were all the green light he needed

CHAPTER FIVE