Chapter 5
Brandon
“Shh. It’s okay.” I hold Mary in my arms and run my fingers through her damp ponytail. She still smells like strawberries. Her tall, slender frame shakes with every sob. This is something I had almost given up on—holding her, touching her. At the moment, all I can do is try to soothe her pain. Make sure she’s okay. I catch Travis’ eyes, and he gives me a chin lift as he carries Charlotte out of the motel room.
“It’s all right,” I whisper in Mary’s ear.
“No. It’s not.” Forceful hands push me away and she points to the door, wiping her face with the other hand. “Leave.”
My head snaps back and I squint my eyes. “Excuse me?”
“You heard me. Leave. I don’t want you here.” Her hiccupped words do nothing to hide the anger radiating from her body. Why is she mad at me? She w
