Free A Love Worth Living by Skylar Kade Page B

out at the world, angry at everything and everyone. At work, she was coolly controlled, focused and analytical. Without her job as a buffer between her and the world, she seemed to struggle with her self-identity.
    Aaron had been the same way, a soldier to his core. He’d used the hard, tireless work as a way to focus himself after a few wayward years in high school. The first time he was sent to inpatient treatment, they’d refused to let him wear his uniform, citing the military pins as “health risks”. David had driven four hours from college to go visit him, stunned to see his once-energetic brother look so defeated.
    Once they’d started talking, however, anger had taken over, and Aaron had shouted at him, his anger rising until he’d finally thrown his chair against the wall. He’d blamed David for being locked up in that place, even though David had had nothing to do with it. Aaron had accused him of stealing their parents’ love and attention, upstaging him by going to a fancy college instead of following in their father’s footsteps and enlisting.
    After that visit, David had distanced himself, focusing on school and leaving his brother’s care to the professionals. The hatred on his little brother’s face had simply cut him too deeply.
    It had been the beginning of Aaron’s downward spiral. In and out of rehab for the next four years, his brother’s PTSD symptoms had only gotten worse, exacerbated by his drug abuse. David hadn’t re-involved himself until later. Much too late.
    The Metro’s screeching brakes cut through the air. He should have been there to save his brother, but he’d run instead. This time would be different. He’d break through to Carrie and help her, even if she hated him afterwards. If only he’d been strong enough for Aaron.
    He snagged Carrie’s hand and stood. She reluctantly followed him onto the train crowded with morning commuters. He staked out a pole in the middle of the car and guided Carrie’s hands around it. He stationed himself at her back, a barrier against the press of people.
    She flicked her gaze at him. “Thank you.”
    While they were above ground, Carrie stared out the window. As soon as the train dipped downward, her fingers tightened on the pole and her attention gravitated down. He scooted closer and wrapped one hand around hers and the other around her waist. Though she never fully relaxed, she did let her head drop back onto his chest.
    It was a start.
    At Gallery Place they changed lines, joining the mass of riders who packed onto the train. They managed to snag a spot right against the doors before they closed. A partition separated them from the first row of riders, and David once again used his body to keep distance between Carrie and the rest of the train. Unlike their first ride, though, the crush of bodies mashed them together into their little corner.
    Her arms bent protectively in front of her chest, and her wide eyes blindly stared out the door. The pulse in her neck fluttered like a trapped bird and begged him to soothe her.
    Knowing she was already on edge, David nonetheless gauged the risk and decided he might be the lesser of two evils at the moment.
    He tugged at her hands until they unclenched, then wrapped them around his waist while his arms slid over her shoulders. She shuddered with such tension that he feared she would break apart. Stroking her fiery hair, he smiled as she calmed by degrees.
    A few stops from their destination, she let him take her full weight. She wasn’t shaking anymore, and her breathing had slowed significantly.
    Carrie tilted her head up at him, eyes suspiciously moist. “Damn you for always having the solution.”
    He gave her a wry smile. “I see you, Carrie. I see what you need, and I’ll be damned if I’ll let you go without.”
    She shook her head and swallowed. “It’s not that simple—”
    “Yes, it is.” He reached behind himself, grabbed her hand, and settled it over his heart. For a