Bound By Lies - Rafe Cameron

Chapter 50

The door swings open almost immediately after I knock, and JJ's standing there, his expression tense and expectant. He looks at me like he's been waiting for this, like he's been holding his breath, and now that I'm here, he's about to exhale all his pent-up emotions.

"JJ," I start softly, but he cuts me off, stepping aside to let me in.

"Come in. We need to talk."

I hesitate but step inside, the familiar scent of the house hitting me as a wave of nostalgia and guilt washes over me.

I don't know where we stand anymore. He closes the door behind me, and the air between us feels heavy.

We move to the living room, and he crosses his arms, his gaze piercing. "So, are you finally ready to do the right thing?"

I blink, caught off guard. "JJ, I—"

"John B's trial is next week. Are you going to go to the cops?" His voice is harsh, almost pleading, and it breaks my heart to see how much this is affecting him. "Are you going to tell them what you heard? Are you going to put him away?"

I wince, the words cutting deep. I should have known this was coming, but it still stings. "JJ, I told you... I can't. I'm sorry."

"Damn it, Teresa!" he yells, his face contorting with anger and frustration. He throws his hands up in the air, pacing the room. "Do you even understand what you're saying? Do you understand what's at stake? John B could go to jail forever, and you're just going to let that happen?"

"I'm not letting anything happen!" I shout back, my own frustration boiling over. "This isn't easy for me, JJ. Don't you think I know what's at stake? Don't you think I wish things were different?"

"Then make them different!" he yells, his voice cracking with desperation. "Just go to the cops, Teresa. Please."

I shake my head, tears welling up in my eyes. "I can't. I just... I can't. I'm sorry, JJ. I'm so, so sorry."

There's a long, painful silence as we stare at each other, both of us breathing hard, both of us hurting. I can see the pain in his eyes, the disappointment, and it makes me feel even worse. He's not just angry—he's heartbroken. And it's because of me.

"Why?" he whispers, his voice broken. "Why are you protecting him? After everything he's done, why are you still protecting him?"

I look down, unable to meet his gaze. How do I explain that it's not just about Rafe? That it's about me too? That turning him in feels like betraying myself, like admitting I've been a fool this whole time?

"I... I don't know," I whisper back. It's a lie, and we both know it, but I can't bring myself to say the truth. Not to JJ. Not to anyone.

JJ shakes his head, his jaw clenched. "Unbelievable."

The silence stretches on, suffocating us both, and I can't stand it anymore. I turn and head for the door, needing to get out of here, needing to escape the weight of his disappointment.

"Teresa, wait," he calls after me, his voice softer now. I pause, glancing back at him, and he's right behind me, his hand reaching out to gently grab my arm. "Just... please. At least think about it. Think about everything we've been through, everything you've been through because of him."

I swallow hard, my chest tightening. I know he's right. I should think about it. I should go to the cops. I should do a million things that I just... can't.

Before I can say anything, there's a sudden roar of an engine outside, and then the front door slams open with a force that shakes the house. I whip around, my heart leaping into my throat.