"She kept saying it wouldn't work because she believed that," I mumble. "She chose those words carefully so she wouldn't have to lie. I'm such a dick."
"You didn't know she couldn't have children," Britt interjects, defending me.
My heart rips a little more. Rain is somewhere dealing with this on her own, and no one is there to convince her to come back to me.
"Tria. Tria might know wh
ere she's at," I say quickly.
Kode grabs his keys to his Range Rover, and everyone stands.
"You're not going without us," Dale says, answering the unasked question.
I just nod, because he's right. We're going to kick her ass together, after I tell her I fucking love her and make her listen to me. I didn't go after her last time. This time I won't make that mistake.
"You have to tell me, Tria," I beg. Tria stands guarded by the door in front of her, keeping it locked as she speaks through the glass.
Five Sterlings showing up at her front door had to be her worst nightmare come true.
"Dane, I want to help, but Rain would kill me. It's been a month. She's just now learning to get along without you."
"She left me, Tria. Not the other way around. I still can't function. I know about the hysterectomy. The kids... I know why she left. I have to go to her. I have to tell her she's enough."
"You didn't go after her the last time," Tria scolds, uncharacteristically glaring at me.
She's been so quiet and sweet since I spoke to her that first day after Rain came back.
I could tell the truth. God knows Kode deserves Rain's hatred, but Rain has already forgiven me for the letter she thinks I ignored. She might not ever forgive Kode, and he's been her best friend for the past six years—even though it was only because he pushed me out of her life. Giving her a reason to hate Kode would hurt Rain, and I can't do that to her.
"I know. I fucked up then. I was a stupid kid, and I should have gone after her."
Kode stares at me, dumbfounded, but then he nods in appreciation for the lie I just told. The other guys exchange a knowing look, understanding why I just covered up his betrayal, and they play along instead of voicing the truth.
Tria blows out a breath while running a hand through her hair, and she finally unlocks the door, allowing us to come in.
We all shuffle through, but I'm almost invading her personal space as I wait expectantly.
"What the hell happened in here?" Kode asks, distracting me.
It's then I look around to see her house destroyed. Glass is shattered all around, her walls are cracked, and she's wearing a pair of boxer shorts, a tank top, and... boots?
"I had... well, you're not the only one with problems," she says with a shrug.
I start to ask her what happened, but Rain is taking precedent right now.
"Who did this?" Kode asks before I can press for more information.
"I did it. That's everything my father bought me. Long story. If you want to find Rain, they're filming in Florida. That's where she set the book. She's in Panama City. They're staying in several condos down there, but they film almost all day. You can't get on the set without fifty pounds of credentials, so it'd be best to wait until nightfall when she returns to her place. I'll give you the address, but I'll never speak to you again if you make her mad at me." She turns her back before adding in a mutter, "Not that anyone from this group cares if I ever speak again or not."
I wish I had time to argue, but right now I can only think about Rain.
"I'll call my pilot," Kode says while turning his back and pulling out his phone.
Tria turns around with a piece of paper in her hand, and I take it before giving her a hug and surprising her.
"Thank you. You have no idea how much this means to me."
I'm out the door before anyone else, but everyone is on my heels, following me at my brisk pace. Then I run. The quicker we get there, the better.