“Beckett, you’re doing this for people who don’t even know you’re protecting them. We’re in the shade here. I can do this. Let me do this. I can’t stand by and watch.”Beckett thought for a moment, saying nothing. Blake had taken the beating like a pro. Too good to be his first time.”

“Blake had told Beckett all about her and the kiss.“Good for fucking you,” Beckett said, pounding him on the back. “If I told you once, I told you a million times: you’re a handsome motherfucker. I’m almost gay for you.”

“This is a great first date.” Livia huddled closer to Blake.“This isn’t our first date. I count all the breakfasts. Don’t worry, Livia, none of these people will harm us.” He seemed confident.“You’re that scary?” Livia whispered.“No, but Beckett is,” Blake said.”

“Oh, God don’t let me hurt him.Am I really doing this? Here? Is this real?We’re in the middle of nowhere. No one is going to find us. Even the fire has gone out.He’s dead. I’m just beating on his body.My arms hurt. How can my arms hurt now? Blake. I can’t. I can’t be here without you.I’ve got to be positive. I have to know he’ll make it.We’re going to grow old together, Blake. We’re going to hold hands and kiss.I’m giving you all my energy. All this love and hope. It’s going from my heart to yours, through my hands.Feel it, Blake. Feel it.I love you so much. I’m going to love you forever. Can you feel that, Blake?Am I imagining that? Your skin?Blake! Blake, your skin! It’s just like glass, Blake. You’re really sparkling. I can see it. I can really see it. Your skin is amazing!You’re glistening, Blake. I’ll never stop. I’ll never stop.”

“Rick, you sick, ass-sucking fuck, I want you to know I’m not here because you beat me. I’m not even here just because you beat children. There are lots of ways I could get you for that. But you’re going to die like the gasping pussy you are because…” Beckett advanced until he was nose to nose with Rick.“You.” Beckett pushed on Rick’s shoulder until he kneeled.“Touched.” Beckett leveled the pistol between Rick’s eyes.“My.” Beckett cocked the hammer with a quiet click.“Brothers.” Beckett smiled as he pulled the trigger.”

“Blake and Beckett touched tattoos in greeting. Beckett turned his other arm over to show Blake his bandage. Blake lifted one eyebrow, and Beckett peeled the tape back to reveal his new Sorry tattoo, a perfect replica of his brother’s.“Cole got one too,” Beckett said.Blake looked off in the distance as his eyes filled with emotion.Beckett pulled Blake’s face back to look at him and held it in his hand. “Never alone, bro. You’re never alone as long as I live.”Blake nodded. “Thanks.”

“Livia made a fist and put it to her forehead. “Dad. Some people who should love me and should be here aren’t. Like Mom.”Her father blinked.“Beckett shouldn’t love anyone, but he does, and he knows he shouldn’t be here, but he is. I’m asking you, please, let him stay. I know I’m not being fair.” Livia took her father’s hand. “And if you really can’t do it, if you really have to take Beckett now, I won’t be mad. I’ll understand. Sometimes the right thing can seem so wrong, like it does in this moment. But really, Beckett won’t hurt anyone here. Not today. I bet he isn’t even armed.”