Three Years in My Fiance's Brother's Bed Novel

Chapter 25 instinct . The second she heard Valerie's voice and caught a flash of steel at her left , she rocked back and twisted away . The knife sliced through empty air . Maya reacted on Valerie didn't hesitate . She raised the knife again and came slashing for a second strike . That was when Carter barreled in . As the knife came down , he yanked Maya into his arms and turned his back to shield her . The edge tore across his shoulder blades , and blood sprayed . Cole lunged for Valerie , but the moment she registered his face , she swung at him too . " Cole , you deserve to die !

" She hated Maya the most for exposing her and putting her behind bars . She hated Cole next for dropping her the minute things went public and refusing to be with her . She had counted on a year out on bail , but the Hales shattered that hope and left her in prison . Once there , when the inmates learned who she was , the bullying never stopped . She had lived like a target for a whole year , and the rage blinded her . She hacked at Cole's chest again and again .

She raised the knife again , but a hand clamped down on her wrist , wrenched the knife free , and slammed her to the pavement with her arms pinned behind her . Jasper wrestled her down and subdued her . The crowd scattered in chaos as hospital staff came out with gurneys and quickly brought Cole and Carter inside . Both of them stayed conscious . As they were wheeled away , they kept their eyes on Maya , looking for any trace of concern in her face . However , Maya showed no sign of worry . She turned toward Jasper instead and walked to him without a backward glance .

The sensation was like a rip straight through their chests . The pain stole their breath . In that instant , they finally understood that no apology or gesture would ever make her forgive them . A year had come and gone , and so had their last chances Jasper handed Valerie off to the police , then scanned Maya from head to toe . " Are you hurt ? " " I'm fine . " She shook her head . In the next second , his warm palm closed around her cool fingers , and he drew her into his arms . His heartbeat was quick under her cheek as he smoothed a hand over her hair . " You scared me , Maya .

" She froze , tears pricking hot at her eyes . Then , she raised her arms and wrapped them around him . Jasper stayed with her through the police report . When he heard what Valorie had done over the years , his eyes reddened with fury , but he kept himself carefully leashed . By the time they left the station , it was already past 8:00 pen . Jasper steered her to a restaurant he had reserved. The dining room was empty apart from flowers , balloons , and a pianist in a formal gown playing softly by the window .

Maya took it in , and her heart raced After dinner , Jasper set a velvet box on the table and opened it to reveal a delicate diamond bracelet . " Maye , I liked you back in Aygate . The time we've spent since then has only convinced me more that you're the person I've been looking for , " he said , his ears tinting pink despite the steady voice . " I really like you . Would you be my girlfriend , and can we date with marriage in mind ? " Maya smiled . " I would . " He fastened the bracelet around her wrist , and when the clasp clicked shut , it was as if her heart had finally found its home ,