Trapped by Them novel · Chapter 12 of 24

Chapter 12: Both

The envelope held two sheets of hotel stationery, folded small.

The top one was in handwriting I knew from every birthday card of my childhood.

"Read his first," Lachlan said, nodding at Tobias. "Mine is worse."

I unfolded the paper.

It was dated two years ago, the night of the wedding, at one in the morning.

Lachlan, it began. I'll keep the promise. I'll stay away from her for as long as you say.

Then, lower down: But if you ever see her look at you the way she looked at me on that bridge, I want you to tell her I didn't walk away because I wanted to.

My throat closed.

"I wrote it in the hallway," Tobias said, very low. "I gave it to him so he'd have it in writing. So I couldn't take it back."

"I know," I said.

I unfolded the second sheet.

It was in Lachlan's square handwriting, and it was longer.

Tobias. You said you love her, and I told you to keep away. I have not told you why, and I won't tonight.

My heart began to pound.

The reason is that I am forty years old, and I love her too.

I have loved her since she was twenty-two and laughed at something I said at dinner.

I have no right to it.

I won't ask you to give her up.

But I will not take her either.

Neither of us says a word to her.

If she ever comes to either of us on her own, we do not refuse her.

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