He cheated i chose two firefighters novel Chapter 72

My jaw clenched. “I don’t even know why I stayed. I kept hoping he’d finally see what he was doing… what she was doing. She knew she was pulling him away from me. And for what? Who can’t change a fucking light bulb? He ran to her house for that.”

Mama Cici’s face softened, regret all over it. “Like I told you at the café, he opened that door himself. He never should have gone that far.” She sighed. “I wish you two could have fixed things, but that’s the selfish part of me talking–the part that wanted you as my daughter–in–law forever. You were so good to me. You helped when I needed it. You looked after me when I was sick. You came shopping with

me for anything.”

“Well,” I said, managing a little laugh, “that’s because I like shopping.”

The table giggled with me, and for a moment it almost felt normal again.

“I’m happy you’re happy now,” Mama Cici said.

“Thank you,” I told her. “I am.” I shifted in my chair. “And this wine is catching up with me. I’ll be right

back.”

I knew the house well. I left the dining area, headed down the hallway-

-and before I reached the bathroom, a door cracked open. A hand shot out. I was yanked inside.

“What the “I gasped.

“Scar, my love,” a voice slurred into the dark. “You’re here. Did you come for me?”

My stomach dropped.

Brennan slammed me back against the door, his weight trapping me, his breath sour with alcohol. He buried his face into my neck like he still had a right to touch me. His hands started roaming.

I shoved at his chest, but he was heavy and drunk and relentless.

“Get off me, Brennan,” I snapped, panic spiking. “What are you doing?”

His fingers went for my breast. I fought them off, slapping his hands away every time he tried to grab more than a brush. I tried every self–defense move I knew, but with his body pinning mine, it didn’t

matter.

He lifted his head and lunged for my mouth.

I turned my face, jerking side to side.

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His hand clamped onto my head to hold me still.

So I went low.

I grabbed him by the balls, squeezed hard, and twisted.

Gym Meno

Brennan screamed–a long, wrecked sound–and his body folded. I didn’t let go until he crumpled to

the floor.

“Scar,” he rasped, wheezing like he couldn’t breathe.

I straightened, wrenched the door open, and bolted into the bathroom across the hall. The lock clicked,

and only then did I realize I was crying.

I shook with rage. With shock.

How dare he.

He wasn’t supposed to be here.

My hands trembled, and I suddenly had to pee so badly it hurt. I did my business on autopilot, washed my hands, and stared at my own reflection while my body kept vibrating with adrenaline.

A knock hit the door.

I screamed.

“Scar?” Mama Cici’s voice, worried and close. “Are you alright?”

I opened it.

Her eyes took in my tear–streaked face, my messed–up hair, my wrinkled clothes. Her expression

shifted into alarm.

“Honey,” she whispered, “what happened?”

“Brennan,” I said, voice breaking. “He attacked me. He’s in the room across the hall.”

Mama Cici went still. Horror swept over her face–then something sharper replaced it.

She pivoted and stormed across the hall.

“Brennan Callum Graysen!” she roared.

I heard the door slam open.

“You shameful boy,” she continued, each word a strike. “I am disgusted with you. What are you even

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doing here? You’re never home this early.”

“Mama-” he started.

“Don’t ‘Mama‘ me. You put your hands on Scar?” Her voice shook with fury. “I raised you better than this. You get out of my house right now. I love you, but tonight I don’t like you at all, Go.”

Then, colder: “And you are not driving. You walk or you call an U–ber.”

She marched him out.

The yelling drew the others into the hallway. Natalie, Maren, Maisie, and Summer closed in around me, arms wrapping me up like a shield.

“Are you okay?” someone asked.

I couldn’t even nod. I just shook my head, throat tight.

Guilt pooled in my stomach anyway–guilt that Mama Cici and Brennan were at war because of me, g

uilt that his hands had been on me at all.

“How do I tell the boys?” I whispered. “They’re going to hate me. He touched me. He kissed my neck- my face.”

Summer grabbed my hands. “This isn’t your fault, Scar. Jace and Milo are going to be furious, but not at you. I swear.”

Her eyes held mine. “Those boys love you. Whether they’ve said it yet or not, we all see it.”

Maisie, Maren, and Natalie murmured agreement.

“I don’t know,” I admitted. “This trip has tested us. At least… it’s tested me.” I swallowed hard. “I told

them he wouldn’t be here.”

“You couldn’t have known,” Maisie said immediately. “None of us did. Not even Mama Cici–she

looked shocked.”

Mama Cici came back down the hall, face blotchy, eyes wet.

“Scar, honey,” she said, voice cracking, “I am so sorry. I truly didn’t know he was here.”

“I know,” I told her. “Please don’t apologize. You didn’t do anything.”

“Neither did you,” she insisted. “Your handsome men will understand that.”

I wanted to believe her.

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Maren studied me. “Do you need to go to the hospital?”

“No,” I said, swallowing nausea. “I didn’t let it get far. He groped me. He kissed my neck and my jaw. He tried for my mouth and I wouldn’t let him.” My skin crawled. “I just feel… dirty. I need a shower.”

We said our goodbyes.

Mama Cici cried as we left, and I kept telling her it was okay, that I was okay. I promised I’d stay in

touch.

When we got home later, I went straight to the shower and scrubbed myself until my skin was red,

almost raw.

Back in my room, my phone lit up with message after message.

My Milo: Scar, baby, please answer your phone. Summer texted us–she said something happened

and we need to call you.

My Jace: Princess, are you okay? Please answer. We need to hear you. Video chat us. Please, baby.

My Milo: Summer said you were in the shower. Please tell us you’re okay. Please, beautiful.

My Jace: Whatever it is, Princess, we’ll get through it. You’re our everything. You and us–we’re the end

game.

I broke.

Sobs shook out of me as I stared at the screen.

Do they really mean that?

I wiped my face, climbed under the covers, and pulled the blanket up like it could keep the world away. Then I opened a video call and rang them.

Their faces appeared.

I forced a small smile.

“Hi.”