Free Crossing Lines: A gripping psychological thriller (Behind Closed Doors Book 3) by Erin Cawood Page A

monogamy. It just happens there were one or two complications I didn't factor into this when I came to find you. But this is a need-to-know situation. I haven't discussed it with anyone but you, and Caleb.” Her eyes soften, and the hard mask slips as she adds, “Honestly D, I’m only thinking of Julia.”
    I sigh, and that’s what makes this whole situation harder. She might be doing this the wrong way, ruffling too many feathers by insisting it has to be done like this, but she’s jeopardizing her personal happiness with Dex, as well as her safety with Rylan. And all for her best friend.
    “I know, and I'm here, risking being decked by Rylan, and Dexter. I’m guessing the opposition from Julia's annoying and overprotective big brother has more to do with your past, rather than the present situation?” She shrugs. “C'mon, Krystal, its likely three guys want to beat my ass because of your irrational planning. There has to be another way.”
    “Darryl …” She hesitates. “I wouldn't ask you to do this if I hadn't already exhausted all other options.”
    “True love is a very rare and precious gift,” I offer, with the wisdom of an unhealed heart. “Trust me on that. So, you can't do this to Dex. The fact you're willing to, though, tells me an awful lot about how you feel about him.”
    “Honestly, Dex and Callie are the best things that happened to me in a long time. Jeopardizing that isn't an option. I meant what I said about telling him the truth.”
    “That's a pretty little statement.” I know I’m being condescending again. But this is Krystal, and something in her voice warns me she won’t. She doesn’t love Dex, and if she does then it’s not enough to make her happy. "But you're lying.”
    “Stop psychoanalyzing everything I say.” She rolls her eyes. “Yes, you're right, I omitted the part where I'm supposed to say 'but' … But , that's my issue and it has no bearing on this situation.”
    So, she wants a husband and a family. Even though she shows no sign of it, the desire is there. She’s just yet to realize that Dex and Callie aren’t what she’s looking for.
    “All right,” I agree. She sends a skeptical glance my way. “I said okay. You’re not ready to share it with me.”
    The tension around her eases and she walks toward me. “Okay, D, here it is!” She stops and leans back against the car, mimicking my posture almost perfectly. “They mean the world to me, but I've seen myself having a different kind of future, and with someone else, for a really long time. After the vile choices I’ve had to make, I don't deserve that kind of happiness. But that doesn't stop me from wanting it. Accepting Dex, and his daughter Callie, as my future, means giving up.” Her voice drifts as she casts her eyes over the second-floor windows again. “What Rylan forgets is his brother was cheating then and …” She looks down, poking at the gravel with her toe. “I’m pretty sure he’ll jump the second someone better comes along.”
    “So why are you with a guy who makes you feel second best?” Her gaze lifts up to the second-floor window, but this time she’s looking at a particular one. “Because … he’s a second-best for you?” I pause. “One day, you’ll have to trust him again.”
    Her gaze snaps to mine.
    “To achieve the kind of love you’re talking about, you’re going to have to believe enough in Dex, or whoever, to hand over the power to hurt you and then have the faith he won't.”
    “I don’t trust anyone,” she snorts.
    “But you do.” I consider her sulky reply for a moment. It’s true. True enough for her to believe, and yet the very fact I’m here belies her confession. “You trust me.” I watch her carefully. The fraction of surprise turns to thorough consideration. “You trust me enough with your privacy to do something you've never let any other guy do. You believe I can help you. You have enough faith in me that you turned to me in a time of