Chapter 8 #3
He’d come on to her hard. He rarely came on to women like he had with Chloe. Maybe because he looked for women in low places, they came to him.
But with Chloe, he’d been instantly drawn in, instantly attracted. And he’d—he’d courted her. Focused on her, happy just to be in the same room with her. Knowing something important was happening.
For just a second there, he’d thought he was living Sam and Harry’s dream. They’d both been instantly smitten by their women and look how that had turned out. They were both insanely happy, both settled, both wildly in love with their wives and daughters.
And Mike—idiot that he was—thought he’d found what he hadn’t been looking for. Found something real and true and lasting. Clean and bright. And he’d crushed it with his own hands the moment he’d found it.
He’d never know. Right now a part of him wanted Chloe close to him like he wanted air and water. And another part of him wanted to keep her at a distance. She’d had a rough life and she deserved better than him.
Because who was he kidding? If they got together, she’d find a woman he’d fucked around every corner. His past was like a tarpit. He would never be free, he could only taint her with it.
Harry was quiet as they rode down the five floors. Sam didn’t even notice. He was exhilarated, happy Mike was out of trouble, looking forward to picking up the celebrations where they’d left off.
And, knowing Sam, very happy to be getting back to Nicole and Merry.
As the elevator doors opened, Harry stuck out an arm, blocking Mike. Harry was strong. Mike was stronger. He could wipe the floor with Harry. But Harry had something to say to him and he couldn’t pound his brother. He loved him too much.
Harry spoke to Sam quietly. “Sam, Mike and I have something to discuss. Get the van started and we’ll be there in five.”
Harry’s face was naturally grave and right now he looked as if his best friend and his dog had died. Sam looked at him, at Mike, and nodded.
Harry waited until Sam was out of earshot then turned to Mike, placing a big hand on Mike’s shoulder.
“Congratulations. I’m glad this got cleared up.” His face was absolutely expressionless. The words were good but his face was closed to Mike.
Wary, Mike answered. “Yeah, me too. I have Chloe to thank for it. I never would have thought of canvassing the security cameras along my run.” It was true.
And he had no real memory of what route he’d taken.
If Chloe’s friend hadn’t had the right software, he’d still be in PD headquarters, maybe in jail.
“Yes, you do. She’s a good woman. She was the best little girl you could imagine.
Loving and sweet and gentle.” He fixed Mike with a hard glare.
“Chloe’s been through hell and back, Mike.
I saw the way you were looking at her and I know what you’re like with women.
I’m sorry to say this but I have to. Go fuck someone else, somewhere else.
I don’t want you near my little sister. She deserves better than you.
I want you to give me your word you won’t touch her.
Because if you do, I’ll beat the crap out of you.
Or try. You might even win, but she’d be even more disgusted with you than she already is. ”
Yeah. Mike would possibly win because he fought dirty, always. He’d win the battle and lose the war.
He didn’t want to fight Harry. He understood exactly where Harry was coming from. If their roles were reversed, Mike would do the exact same thing. He’d want to protect his little sister from someone like Mike, who’d spent more than half his life fucking anything that would hold still long enough.
There wasn’t anything Mike could do except take it. Because, fuck it, Harry was right.
He was bad news for Chloe. The worst.
Harry’s hand dug into his shoulder. Harry had big strong hands, but Mike’s shoulder muscles were like steel. Still, he welcomed the tiny bite of pain Harry was causing.
Harry’s jaw muscles jumped. “I love you, Mike. You know that. But there’s—there’s just something broken in you, something off, and I don’t want that touching Chloe.
” Harry shook him. “Do I make myself clear? Chloe is off limits to you. I can’t ask you to stay away from her because we all see too much of each other, but I can ask you not to come on to her.
You’re bad news for women, Mike, and you’re bad news for Chloe. Do her a favor and leave her alone.”
Every muscle Mike had was clenched. Harry shook him harder. “Did you hear me? Talk, damn you.”
“Yes.” Mike said the one syllable word as if coughing up a stone lodged in his throat and stopped. He couldn’t say another word.
“Yes, what?”
Mike forced himself to relax a little, to allow some air into his lungs. Everything in him burned and hurt. “Yes, I won’t touch Chloe.”
Harry’s hand bit deeper. “Do I have your word?”
Harry knew what he was asking. Mike might fuck around but he never broke his word.
Mike drew in a deep breath and it felt like knives were carving his chest open from the inside. “I promise. You have my word. I won’t touch Chloe.”