The Vincent Boys 01 - The Vincent Boys

myself.”
    Until Sawyer had walked out of that church and found me and Ashton, I’d never heard him curse. Now his mouth was getting as bad as mine. I bit back the smile tugging at my lips. I shouldn’t like the fact my perfect cousin was cracking a little.
    “Have you talked to Ashton?” I asked, crossing my arms over my chest and leaning back against the lockers behind me.
    Sawyer frowned and started to shake his head then stopped and let out a sigh. “Yeah, once. I told her about Dad. I thought she needed to know why you skipped town. She thought you’d left because of her. I didn’t want her to keep thinking it was all her fault.”
    She thought it was her fault? Fuck. I hadn’t thought of that. Pushing off from the lockers I reached for my cell phone stuck down in my pocket. I needed to turn it on and read her text messages. Had I left her here to worry? Didn’t she know I was okay? Hadn’t Mama explained to her that I was dealing with some family shit?
    “She’s had a rough week,” Sawyer said and I lifted my eyes to meet his. What did he mean by that? She’d been worried?
    “How so?” I asked, studying him for any sign of a lie.
    He ran his hand through his dark hair and let out a frustrated sigh. “Well, not everyone liked the fact she’d cheated on me, with you.”
    What the fuck did that mean? Who the hell’s business was it?
    “Explain that,” I demanded, taking a step toward him and the door.
    “She has dealt with some people taking sides. That’s all.”
    Had people shunned her? Was she all alone inside?
    “What people?” I snapped.
    Sawyer held up his hands. “Calm down. We need to talk about us. Ashton is fine. I made sure she was fine.”
    “You’re certain she’s fine?” I needed reassurance. I wouldn’t be able to focus on this conversation if I didn’t think she was okay.
    “Yes, I’m sure.”
    Nodding, I shoved my hands in my jeans pockets and leaned a shoulder back against the locker. “Okay. You go first,” I said.
    I’d asked him to meet me here but I could tell he had things to say. I’d let him go first. He at least deserved that.
    Sawyer walked over to the bench and stepped over it before sitting down. He looked as defeated as I felt. We’d never had a fight that lasted more than ten minutes and a few punches. Now there was a good chance we’d never move on from this.
    “I do know the real Ashton. I realize you know her better than I do. Y’all are so alike. But I never thought she was perfect. I never expected her to be so good. I love the real Ash. I’ve loved her since we were kids. Just like you, Beau. She stole my heart before I understood what that meant.” He paused and ran his hand over his face. “But you’re my brother. You’ve been my brother all my life. Even before I knew we shared the same father. As bad as I want to hate you, I can’t. Ashton chose you. She is hard to walk away from. That’s something I understand.”
    I wasn’t sure if this meant I was forgiven but I wasn’t going to give her up if that’s what he thought. He may be my brother but I couldn’t let her go for him. “I’m going to fight for her,” I replied. He needed to understand this.
    Sawyer nodded. “I know. You won’t have to fight hard. You’re who she wants.”
    Had he talked to her about me? Had he tried to get her back?
    “She tell you this?” God, I hoped so.
    Sawyer raised his head and a tight smile formed on his lips. “Did she have to? I think her actions spoke louder than any words. I can’t fight for someone who doesn’t want me. What’s the point?”
    I’d fight for her. I’d make her see I was the one she wanted. There was no way in hell I’d walk away this easy if I’d been in his place. This was just more proof that I loved her more. I always had.
    “Are we gonna be okay?” I asked, needing to know if this meant I would lose him.
    Sawyer stood up and shrugged. “Maybe one day. Right now, I need time. Doesn’t change the fact you’re my blood. I just need some distance. From everything.”
    I was his dad’s bastard son and I’d taken his girlfriend away from him. I understood that. It was a miracle he didn’t hate me.
    “I’m here. When you’re ready,” I told him.
    He nodded. “Yeah, I know.”

Chapter 26
    Ashton
    All night I’d slept with my cell phone clasped tightly in my hand. Just in case Beau texted or called. Yes, I was letting him go but that didn’t mean I wasn’t worried about him. If I could have