Building Her Throne Burying My Heart (Claire) novel Chapter 14

“If I remember right,” Garrison said, his words cutting straight through me, “you’re down to just one kidney now. You really think you’re up for this?”

I felt his words like a punch to the gut. He knew exactly where to hit me, and he wasn’t wrong. I wasn’t good enough for her.

That’s why I kept quiet all these years and chose not to show up again. I let Claire think whatever she wanted, even let her humiliate me to my face. I never tried to explain. What would the truth change, anyway? Would it give her a lifetime of guilt? Would she start feeling like she owed me, or maybe try to fix the past?

None of that was going to happen. The truth was, I wasn’t whole anymore. I was just a shell of the person I used to be.

I glared at Garrison. “Claire can marry anyone she wants. Anyone but you. Guys like you, who only know how to play dirty behind people’s backs, don’t deserve her.”

That finally got under his skin. Garrison’s face twisted in anger.

“Even if I’m not good enough, it’s not for you to say,” he snapped.

His bodyguards moved in, closing the circle around me. My hand went straight to my pocket. I’d gotten used to carrying something for protection, especially since I was always out late. More than that, I’d already opened the emergency call screen on my phone. One tap and help would be on the way.

“I wouldn’t try anything if I were you. I already called the cops,” I said, my voice steady and low.

Garrison looked surprised for a second, but then his expression changed and he tried to play it off. “Come on, Lambert. We’re just talking. No need to freak out. Look at you, acting all jumpy.”

He waved his hand and his guys stepped back. He smirked and kept going. “Honestly, I thought maybe you’d be happy for us. I figured you’d at least give us your blessing, but you don’t look thrilled.”

I put my hand away and got ready to start the car.

“I’m only going to say this once. Move. And stay away from Claire.”

Garrison finally stepped aside, but he couldn’t resist one last shot. “Hope you can make it to our engagement party.”

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