“There was no mix-up,” he says bitterly. “She was on meds for depression and insomnia, but she started self-dosing, taking more than she was supposed to. And she was drinking a lot, too…” His voice shakes. “It got worse and worse, and Dad was never home, so it was up to us to take care of her.”

“It’s awful to be helpless,” I murmur, thinking about how I had to take care of my mom when she was sick.

Realization flares in his eyes as he recognizes that I know exactly how he feels—watching someone you love be eaten by a disease that is out of control and knowing you can’t do a damn thing about it.

“Yeah. Worst thing in the world.”

“How do you know it wasn’t an accident?” I ask.

He takes a deep, slow breath. “She told us—Gid and I—that she loved us but couldn’t take it anymore. That she was so, so sorry.” His mouth twists into an ugly shape. “Those words are meaningless, aren’t they?” His eyes shut in self-disgust, like he’s remembering how many times he’s said those same words to me since I came back to Bayview.

Maria’s goodbye probably did more harm than good. If she’d died without professing her love and regret, maybe Gideon and Reed would have been able to convince themselves that her death was an accident. Instead, they were burdened with guilt that somehow they weren’t enough to keep her alive.

Maria was as bad as Callum, I realize. Just as selfish. Just as needy. Is it any surprise that her kids are flawed in the same way?

“I hated him for what he did to her. We all did. And then six months after she died, he started bringing Brooke around. I wanted to kill him for that. It was like he was spitting on Mom’s grave.”

I exhale shakily, wondering how Callum could be so stupid. Couldn’t he have waited a bit longer before parading his new girlfriend in front of his sons?

“They were together for about a year when Brooke started hitting on me,” Reed admits. “I was wrong. I know I was wrong. The really ironic part is that I was doing it to get back at my dad, but I could never bring myself to tell him.”

“Why did you sit there and not say anything that night?” I burst out. “Why did you let me think the worst?”

He lifts his head to meet my eyes. “I was ashamed. I knew I had to tell you about Brooke, and I was scared you’d hate me for it. Then she told me about being pregnant. I knew it couldn’t be mine, but I…froze. I couldn’t move. Literally. I tried but couldn’t. And then I got pissed, so pissed, at myself, at her, at you.”

I tense up. “At me?”

“Yeah, for being everything I wish I could be.” His voice thickens. “Look, Royals are known for their money, their looks, and that’s about it. We cave at the first sign of pressure. Dad’s business is about to go under, so he starts sleeping around. Mom starts over-medicating and then…dies. I—” he visibly swallows, “I was pissed at my dad, so I slept with his girlfriend.”

I grit my teeth but don’t say a word.

“I heard the door slam and it was like I was released from this prison. I went racing after you. I stayed up all night looking for you.”

But I was already gone, sitting on a bus, determined to get as far away from Bayview as possible.

“I’m sorry.” He takes my hand and laces his fingers through mine. “I’m sorry I hurt you. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you the truth earlier.”

I release a shaky breath. “Reed?”

“Yeah?”

“I forgive you.”

His breath hitches. “You do?”

I nod.

Reed’s hand trembles as it cups my chin. “Thank you.”

His thumb rubs an arc across my cheekbone, swiping away a tear I hadn’t realized slipped out.

The emotion lining my throat makes it hard to get my next words out. “I want to forget—”

He kisses me before I can finish the sentence. Warm lips crash onto mine, and I instinctively wrap my arms around his strong shoulders, pulling him closer.

His breath tickles my lips. “I missed this. I missed you.”

Then he’s kissing me again. Everywhere. His mouth grazes my cheeks and my throat and even my closed eyelids. It’s a sweet, leisurely exploration, and I drink it up. One of his thighs slides between my legs to press against the unbearable ache.

“Reed,” I whisper, but I don’t know what I’m asking for.

He does. “Not tonight.”

I squeeze my thighs together around his leg. His body vibrates against mine as he releases a groan. Then he moves over and lies beside me, pulling my head against his chest.

It feels good to be in his arms again. I missed this, too. But I’m afraid this moment of happiness won’t last, because there are still so many obstacles in our lives.

“Reed?”

“Mmmm?”

“What are we going to do about Brooke?”

“I don’t know.”

“What if I give her my inheritance?”

His breath hitches. “Dad would never let you do that.”

“I know.” My shoulders slump into the mattress. “I tried to give it to him. Brooke told me Callum expected Steve’s share to go to the Royals.”

Reed peers down at me. “Please tell me he said no.”

“He said no.”

“Good. We don’t need that money. It’s yours. We have plenty.”

“Brooke says you can never have enough.”

“Brooke’s a money-sucking bitch.”

Frustration bubbles up inside me. “Why did he take her back? Just because she’s pregnant? It’s not like we’re living a hundred years ago. Even Callum knows he doesn’t have to marry someone just because he knocked her up.”

Reed tenses.

I instantly lift my head. “What did you do?” I demand.

“I made a deal with her,” he admits. “She’d shut up about saying the baby was mine—which is a lie—and in exchange I’d put in a good word with my dad.”

“Oh my God. That was a terrible idea.”

“I know. I’m a dumbass, but I was desperate. I would’ve agreed to anything at that point.”

“Obviously,” I say darkly.

The two of us go quiet for a second.

“We need to find a way to get rid of her.” His voice is low and ominous. “I can’t have that woman living in my house. I don’t want her anywhere near you.”