Damaged Hearts

Chapter 20

Nicole

My entire body feels like it's buzzing, on edge as I glance at the clock. Brian is going to be here any minute to pick up the kids for the weekend. I haven't seen him since he found out about Zach and me, and I just know this pickup is going to be different.

Normally, he doesn't even come to the door. The kids meet him outside, hop into his truck, and that's it. I'm lucky if I catch a passing glance, let alone a wave. But today feels different, heavier.

When I hear the low rumble of his truck in the driveway, my eyes instinctively dart to Zach, lounging on the couch. He stands the second our eyes meet, his quiet strength anchoring me. This will be the first time Brian has seen Zach here, at my place. It's uncharted territory for all of us, and the tension in the air is suffocating.

The kids rush to the door, their backpacks bouncing on their shoulders. They swing it open, ready to head out, but freeze when they see Brian standing on the porch.

"I'll be out in a minute," Brian says, his voice calm, but the forced edge of it sends a chill down my spine. "I wanna talk to your mom real quick."

The kids glance at me, confused, but don't argue. They head to his truck. Brian steps inside, closing the door behind him with a hard thud that makes me flinch.

His eyes sweep the room, landing on Zach standing near me in the hallway. A bitter laugh escapes him as he gestures between us. "So this is it, huh? You two. Live and in action."

I fold my arms across my chest, forcing myself to stand tall. "You have absolutely no right to judge me, Brian. You know that, don't you?"

"Oh, I know," he says, his tone dripping with mockery. "I'm not even surprised. You always did take the easy way out."

The words slice through me like a knife, but before I can respond, Zach's voice cuts through the air, sharp and unyielding.

"Hey. That's enough of that bullshit."

"Says the guy who didn't look very far to find a side piece." I say to Brian's smug face, it makes me feel good.

"Oh, you have no idea, sweetheart," he says with a grin that makes my stomach turn. "You really think she was my only side piece?"

My fists clench as the air leaves my lungs. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?" I glance at Zach briefly whose chest fills with a deep breath.

Brian steps closer, his smile growing darker. "I've been screwing around on you since you were pregnant with Landon."

It's like the ground falls out from under me. My vision blurs with rage and betrayal, and before I can stop myself, I lunge for him.

"You son of a bitch!" I scream but before I can reach him, Zach's biceps wrap around me and pick me up off the ground. As if he knew I was going to do that.

"Zach, let me go! Let me fucking go!" I scream, fighting against him. He spins me around the other direction.

"Stop! Stop it!" Zach scolds, his grip firm as I thrash against him, hot tears streaming down my face.

Brian just laughs, the sound smug and infuriating as he opens the door and steps out. "Enjoy your weekend," he calls over his shoulder, slamming the door behind him.

Zach sets me down, I spin around to face him, lasering my fuming eyes to his, "Why the fuck did you stop me!?" I yell and slap him across the face. Immediately covering my mouth, I gasp, "I'm sorry." I say desperately, I did not mean to do that.

Expecting him to walk out on me or yell, he doesn't. He pauses for a deep breath and looks back at me. My heart pounding as fear settles in.

His jaw tightens, he looks me in the eyes before he speaks, "Do not do that again."

"I'm sorry. I didn't- fuck." I let out a defeated sigh with tears flooding down my cheeks, I step back. There's a moment of silence before Zach speaks.

"I know you are so fucking pissed off at him right now but you cannot hit me."

"I'm sorry." I cry, feeling like I'm spiraling. I don't know what came over me, I've never lashed out like that in my life.

"You can't hit him either." Zach adds.

"Why the hell not?"

His body stiffens, "Because if he'd hit you back, I'd have to kill him. And neither of us can afford that kind of god damn mess."

"He wouldn't have!"

"You don't know that." He cuts me off, his voice steady but sharp. "And even if he didn't, do you really want to give him ammo to use against you? He's the goddamn chief of police. One call, and he could screw with your custody arrangement. Think about that!" His voice loud and strong. He's never talked to me like this before and I can't say I am enjoying it, but I know he's angry with me.

His words are heavy, hitting me like a ton of bricks. I let out an angry, frustrated sigh, my whole body shaking.

Zach watches me for a moment, then, without warning he pulls me into his arms, his hold firm and grounding.

"I'm really sorry," I say quietly, my voice raw.

"No, I'm sorry he's such a goddamn asshole, and I'm sorry for raising my voice at you but I just care about you too much to let you ruin stuff with your kids." He says.

"I'm fucking done with this bullshit." I say.

"You and me both Nicole, maybe you should-"

"No. I'm not doing anything. You're going to go to internal affairs and tell them everything. I'm fucking done!" I yell and push off him.

"Okay, woah. Nicole-" He lets out a sigh, trying to stay calm.

"Zach! You can't change my damn mind!"

"Why don't you talk to Monica?" He suggests.

"Why in the fuck would I do that!?"

"Maybe she doesn't know you didn't want her around the kids yet! Brian's a lying prick, for all you know he told her you loved the damn idea!"

"No! I'm not talking to that fucking bitch. Why are you acting like you think she's some innocent girl who what? Didn't know her boss, chief of police was MARRIED WITH CHILDREN." I shout. I know he has pictures of us, or at least did on his desk and on the walls. If anything he probably still has the kids up. If Monica couldn't put two and two together on that then she's a shitty ass cop.

"Nicole. I am in no way trying to say that. I just meant-"

"Stop talking. Stop. Please leave. I don't want you to come back until you go talk to IAB."

The space between us is silent. Our eyes staring at each others from across the room.

He finally speaks, "Okay." He says tightly and walks out.