Free The Wrong Path_Smashwords by Vivian Marie Aubin du Paris Page B

he’s just being a selfish brat. Can’t see anything but him…” Trevor trailed off as they pulled up to their houses just as Will did. Trevor parked in the street between the two houses and all-but jumped out of his SUV as Will climbed out of his black convertible. Annabelle slowly slid out of the SUV, watching the two brothers face off against each other.
    “At least you didn’t get arrested,” Trevor said quietly, flatly. “Are you deliberately trying to kill Mom, Will? Want your inheritance early or something?”
    Will’s face was as cold as if it had been carved in granite. “Funny. I never even thought of that. Makes you wonder which of us is really waiting for her to kick the bucket.”
    Trevor’s hands were clenched into fists so tight he was shaking. Annabelle stood behind them, not sure if she should stay or go into her house. “Where the hell did you go today?” he demanded. “If you weren’t getting arrested, what were you skipping school for? You know the principal said he’d call Mom if you missed one more day.”
    Will arched an eyebrow. “Really. How do you know that?”
    “Did you go bail them out?” Trevor went on. Annabelle could tell he was struggling to keep his voice quiet. “Finish making deals they couldn’t so you wouldn’t get shot and killed?” He roughly grabbed the front of Will’s shirt, yanking his brother to him. “Answer me!” he ordered furiously. “What the hell was so important—“
    “Trevor? Will?”
    Annabelle and both boys instantly followed the voice up to the front porch, where Mrs. Scarlett was standing, looking aghast at the scene in front of her. There was utter silence in the yard.
    And then Will pulled out of his brother’s loosened grip and strode up to the porch. “Hey, Mom,” he greeted warmly. “You want some tea?”
    Mrs. Scarlett accepted the hug he gave her with a confused look. “Is everything okay?” she asked, frowning.
    “Sure, of course it is.” Will gestured back to Trevor with a light laugh. “Trev and I were arguing over who had the prettier girlfriend. You know guys and fighting for their women’s honor and all that. Sorry if we freaked you out.” Will turned to Trevor and Annabelle in the yard and raised a hand, his light expression obviously forced over his rage. “Didn’t mean to insult you, Belle. Everyone knows you’re beautiful.” He deliberately flashed a charming smile and then led his mother into the house, the door closing behind them.
    Annabelle stood in silence behind Trevor, her mind spinning over what she had just witnessed. She looked up as Trevor turned to face her, looking exhausted.
    “He was with me,” Annabelle heard herself say. She felt like she was watching everything take place from somewhere far away, as if it were a movie unfolding before her. She watched Trevor’s eyes flash with alarm and confusion. “Will. He was with me today. There were… rumors going around about me. I was upset, and Will took me away from school. He wasn’t making any drug deals. He was helping me.”
    Trevor’s expression had shattered. “Why… why didn’t you come find me?” he asked, sounding like he was almost choking on the words.
    She shook her head. “I didn’t plan on leaving. I don’t think Will did, either. But I ran outside, and he was there, and he could tell I was upset. And then we saw his friends get taken away by the police, and I think we both just needed to get out of there. He brought me back right before school ended.”
    Trevor pulled her into a warm, strong embrace. “I’m sorry,” he whispered, though she didn’t know why. She had been the one to keep the truth from him, but he was apologizing to her? “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, Annabelle.”
    She could only hold him back.
     
    ***
     
    Annabelle sighed as she entered her bedroom. It had been a long, long day, and all she wanted to do was sleep. Once Trevor had finally stopped apologizing, he had gone into his house to be with