Isabella (The Mitchell/Healy Family #2)(7)
Author: Jennifer Foor

Once the message was sent and delivered, I stuck the phone in the mailbox and put the red flag up. By that time I saw my brother’s truck coming toward me. Jax jumped out of the passenger seat and rushed to my side, before Jake could put it into park. “What the f**k are you doing here, Bella?”

I shoved Jax, and felt Jake pulling me into his arms. “It’s going to be all right. Calm down and tell us what happened.”

“I just want to go home,” I cried against his chest.

In that moment I heard someone calling my name. Before I could yell to Jax, he was running after Tate. They fell down onto the damp grass and punches were being thrown, none of which were Tate’s. I watched him shielding himself from taking my angry brother’s blows, while Jake held me close, preventing me from jumping in between them. “Come on Jax. Let’s get out of here,” he yelled.

I had to look away, unable to stand watching the man that I had wanted a future with to be beaten to a pulp. I knew he deserved it, but it was still hard to bear.

Jax stood up and said something smart before walking in our direction. When I turned back I saw Tate lying on the ground crying, whining like a little bitch. A smile formed across my face as I realized that he’d be crying for a different reason when he found his phone. Finally he’d get what was coming to him, and lose both Jenn and me.

When we got in the truck and pulled out of town, both of my brothers started on me. I was still crying, trying desperately to convince them not to tell our father. It wasn’t like I was actually worried about him going after Tate. I was worried that he’d tell Noah, and all hell would break loose back in Kentucky.

“Guys, please.”

Jake pulled over and put the truck in park, halfway home. “Give us one good reason why we should keep this shit a secret. Did he lay a hand on you?”

“No. He didn’t hit me. I snuck to see him and discovered that he’s engaged to be married. That’s all. It’s over. I swear. I’m done with him for good. That’s why I want you to keep your mouths shut. Please. I’ve covered for you a million times. Just do me a solid for this one time.”

Jake put his hand on my knee. “Your secret’s safe with us, right, Jax?”

Jax kissed the top of my head. “Unless I find out more happened. Then I’m going to stick my foot so far up that f**ker’s ass he’ll puke it out of his mouth.”

We sat there for a little while so that I could calm down. The three of us were afraid of having to explain to our parents how I’d gotten so messed up. By the time we pulled down the lane the light was on in the kitchen. Jake turned off the ignition and opened the door, sticking his hand out to help me get down.

Jax got out and came around to our side. “Bella, let us go inside. You can come in through my window.”

“Seriously? I haven’t done that in years.”

“Do you want them to know what happened?” Jake asked.

“No.” I looked down, realizing it was the only way to keep the peace. “Fine. I’ll meet you at your window.”

I marched out back while they went inside. It felt like it took them forever, but finally the light came on and I watched the window sliding up. Jax leaned out and took me into his arms. With ease, he pulled me inside. Jake was standing there behind him with his arms crossed.

I sat down on Jax’s mattress and covered my face with my hands. “Sorry about all of this, guys.”

Jake touched my shoulder, causing me to look up. “Everyone was in bed when we came in. They must have left the light on for us.” He kissed my cheek before heading out to his room.

I stood up and followed. “Thanks again, Jax. See you in the mornin’.” In all of the years that my brothers had annoyed me, I’d finally gotten to a point where I could appreciate that I had them. They’d saved my butt, and comforted me when I needed it. If there was some way to tell my parents how they’d come to my rescue, I would have done it. Though, I knew I’d never let them know about what had happened, not after I’d sworn to them all that I was done with Tate.

He caught me before I could get all of the way out of his room. “Make that afternoon. My ass isn’t getting out of bed until after lunch. Oh, and by the way, you owe me big for tonight. I was about to get my dick wet when you called.”

I scrunched up my face, imagining my brothers being old enough to actually have sex with a person instead of their hands. “Spare me the details. I probably kept you from makin’ a mistake you’ll soon regret.”

“Like you just did?”

I flipped him the finger and pulled the knob behind me. Of course he’d bring that up. Once I was out of his room I crept through the hallway quietly. I walked down the hall and opened my bedroom door, flipping on the light before closing it back up. When I turned to head in the direction of my bed I saw my dad lying above the covers, as if he’d been there waiting for me. I had a sudden flashback of being a teen and sneaking out with Tate my senior year. I didn’t climb in my window until the sun was coming up, and boy was he pissed.

He opened his eyes and looked around the room, finally catching my stare. “Iz. Where have you been?”

I placed my hands over my hips. “Dad, I’m not a little girl. Did you come in here to punish me?”

He brought his feet to the floor and started to stand up. I could see how he was looking at me. “What are you crying for?”

I opened my mouth to talk and felt the door opening behind me. My brother handed me my purse. “You left this in the truck.” He looked over and saw our dad standing up. “Oh, hey, Dad. Did we wake you up?”

“No.”

“Well, I’m hitting the sack. Bella drank us under the table tonight. Jax is already passed out.”

“Where’d you three go?” His questions were making me nervous, as if he was giving me the third degree.

“Out to a bar, then to the barn. Don’t worry, we didn’t drink any of your good bourbon,” Jake looked to me after his explanation, as if to make sure I was going to agree with him.

“I’m glad you all had a good time, but do you mind telling me why your sister’s been crying?” I closed my eyes, knowing he could see right through me.

Before Jake could get us into a deeper lie, I spoke out. “I got a little emotional. It’s just that bein’ home makes me miss this place even more. I love Kentucky, don’t get me wrong, but it’s never goin’ to be home to me, not while you’re all here.”