"Should I call an ambulance?"

Sweat matted Bennett's hair to his forehead and his skin was drained of all color. I'd managed to catch him just before he hit the ground and was afraid to move him, so I held him and myself as still as possible, cradling his head on my lap. Lee knelt down beside me, sliding his hands under Bennett's arms as if to move him. "No. Lay him flat for now. He'll wake up in a moment."

I let Lee take Bennett from me, watching as he gently laid Bennett on the floor. My heart still hammered in my chest, but now I wasn't sure from what. Finding out Brandon had been framed for Lee's accident? Realizing it was probably my boyfriend's mother who had caused my brother to go to jail? Knowing Sebastian had hid it from me? Seeing Bennett drop to the floor like that?

Either way, for now, Bennett had scared the anger out of me. And honestly I was a little grateful for it. Now I could calm down and think through things rationally.

But before I could get too deep into my thoughts, his eyes blinked open. His gaze flickered between Sebastian, Lee, and myself and I could immediately see the panic rising again. "I'll be right back," Lee said, pushing himself off the floor.

Bennett's hand shot out and he grabbed the fabric of Lee's pants, pulling himself into a sitting position. "No."

"I'm not leaving. I'm just going to get you medicine."

Bennett's grip tightened and I gently pried it off Lee, holding his clammy hand in mine. "It's okay, Bennett. None of us are going to go anywhere." After a moment it seemed like he'd calmed down so I pulled on his hand, helping him climb to his feet.

It took him a second to adjust his balance and he grimaced, screwing his eyes shut and massaging the top of his forehead. "I passed out?"

"Yeah, are you okay?" I asked.

"You shouldn't be asking me that."

I pressed my lips into a flat line. "I'm pretty sure it's a normal question for a person who just witnessed you fainting."

"If you knew what I was thinking, you wouldn't be asking me that," he responded lowly, unable to meet my eyes.

"What, you're thinking I shouldn't tell anyone that Brandon's accident was actually Lee's fault?"

The twitch in jaw gave me my answer. "I can't lose Lee again."

His words sent a flare of annoyance through me. He couldn't lose his brother? What about my brother? Who had spent the last half-year in jail for a crime he didn't commit? "How do you think I felt when Brandon was in jail?"

Bennett flinched at the tone of my voice. I sighed, letting my head fall back and I stared at the ceiling. What a situation we were in. Was I supposed to yell at him? It wasn't his fault. Could I even yell at him? Would it trigger another anxiety attack? Just how bad was his anxiety? How did I not know? What else didn't I know?

"We'll figure this out," Sebastian promised, finally speaking up again. "I'll pay you off if it helps."

I turned to him. "Are you serious?"

"The legal recourse for exoneration is only sometimes a compensation—"

"Sebastian, do you really think out of everything it would be money I'm after?" I demanded, wondering if my disbelief showed on my face. How could he think that?

He shrunk in on himself. "I'm sorry, Henley. I just don't know what to say."

"Do you think any of us do? Have I suddenly become an enemy to you guys? You really think I'd just throw you under the bus?"

"No..."

"Let's talk about this together," I said.

Lee appeared just then, descending the stairs with a glass of water in hand, and headed back over to Bennett. "Maybe take one of these since we have a lot to discuss."

Bennett shook his head, rejecting the pill Lee offered him. "I don't need it."

"Bennett. This isn't going to be an easy conversation. You look like you're about to pass out again. And we need to talk about this. Henley is probably already afraid you'll pass out again."

Lee was right. Bennett still didn't look that good. And I did feel a little scared he might pass out again.

Bennett hesitated for another moment before taking the pill and swallowing it down. He noticed me staring and frowned. "It's nothing, Henley. It just helps me calm down."

"I didn't realize your anxiety was so bad."

"It comes and goes," he explained. "Generally it's mild. This situation just isn't something I expected."

"Me either," I muttered.

Lee looked at me with sad eyes. I turned away from him. My mind was so muddled. I couldn't just ignore the problem and I definitely couldn't let it go. But where did we go from here? What could I do? What could they do?

Lee folded his arms over his chest, leaning against the side of the couch. "We don't need to discuss anything. I'm to blame and I'll resolve things."

"Lee, you can't—"

"Bennett, what else can I do? Someone else suffered because of me. I have to make things right. And what about Henley? Are you saying you don't care that her brother was put in jail because of me?"

When Bennett didn't answer right away, I tried not to let it hurt my feelings. He and Lee had a strong bond. If I were in his position, I'd have a hard time letting Brandon take blame knowing the consequences. But a part of me just wanted Lee to go and confess what happened, just to clear Brandon's name. Any monetary compensation meant nothing compared to clearing his name. His record was basically a stain on his life.

I couldn't just let it go.

"Sebastian, what would happen to Lee if he proved that it was him who stole and crashed that car instead of Brandon?" I asked, turning to the only lawyer in the room.

All three men froze up, as if they didn't see that question coming. It was as if everyone stopped breathing. No one made a sound. Sebastian made no attempt to even answer me. He just bit his lip, turning his gaze to the floor. Did that mean it was something bad? Or that he just didn't want me to consider that option? Couldn't he even answer me?

"You three are not making this any easier," I ground out. "If you feel so guilty, why don't we do something about it?"

Bennett grabbed my hand and stepped in front of me, coming almost chest-to-chest with me. His green eyes burned into me and he gripped my hand so tightly, I swear my phalanges were about to crack. "Henley."

"Bennett—"

"I have no right to ask this of you. And I know how wrong it is, but even if you hate me for it, I am begging you, don't do that to Lee. Please." The raw desperation in his voice sent chills down my spine.

"You're right," I acknowledged, my mouth feeling dry. "You have no right to ask me to do that."

"I know, but—"

"Listen Bennett, if this was about me, it would be different, but this is about my brother. It's not up to me about what we're going to do about this. He needs to know the truth about what actually happened and decide what to do from there."

Bennett reached for the tie around his neck, yanking on it, as if it was suffocating him. I knew he was stressed about this, but it wasn't like he was the only one. This situation affected everyone. I wasn't going to make the decision myself.

"Henley, don't worry about this. I'll make sure Brandon's name is cleared," Lee said, coming up to me. "Bennett, don't ask that of Henley. It's not right."

"Lee, it's not even your fault this happened," Bennett protested.

"Yes it is."

Bennett shook his head. "No, you didn't choose to blame someone else. It was our mother. If anyone should take the blame, it's her."

"She did that to protect me. If I hadn't made the choice to go drinking that night this wouldn't have happened."

"Hey, no offense, but this really isn't about either of you," I cut in. "We can play the blame game all we want, but it's not going to solve anything. First of all, calm down. Bennett, I'm not planning on sending Lee to jail. And Lee, sacrificing yourself sounds valiant, but who knows if it'd even do anything? When I say we need to talk about this, I mean we need to figure out a plan."

Both Calloway brothers shut up and folded them arms over their chests.

"I don't blame either of you two for what happened, so don't panic. I don't want to fight with either of you. Obviously I'm hurt and irritated, but I know it's not your fault. If anything, I'm just kind of pissed at Sebastian."

Sebastian rightfully turned a shade of red. "I understand."

"But I also understand why you didn't want to say anything, so I'm trying to get over that," I added.

Sebastian shoved his hands into his pockets, walking over to where Bennett, Lee, and I stood. "It's okay, Henley. I should have told you when I realized what was happening."

"You should have," I agreed.

"How are we going to fix this problem if we don't admit what actually happened?" Lee asked.

I shrugged. "We'll pin the blame on the person most responsible."

"That's me."

"No. It's your mother."

"That much is clear, but—" Lee gasped. "Oh. Two birds with one stone."

Sebastian was the next to catch on and his lips curved down. "It might be hard to find the evidence."

"Evidence?" Bennett repeated.

I nodded. "Your mother caused this, so why should Lee take the blame? We'll just find the proof that your mother framed my brother and go to the police with it. Two birds with one stone— Brandon's record will be cleared and you can take down your mother."

Bennett didn't seem convinced. "My mother would surely twist her way out of it. What would she even get charged with?"

"Well, a few things actually. Perjury, obstruction of justice, providing false evidence, conspiracy. We could even go as far as defamation of character," Sebastian explained, tallying it off on his fingers.

"Your father would help her be dismissed off all charges."

"Not necessarily. Since he was involved in the first trial where she presented the false information, it could be a breach of fiduciary duty. She would have to hire a different defense attorney. Brandon could also sue my father if we proved he knew about the frame-up."

I snorted. "Yeah, that's exactly what we wanna do. Sue a defense attorney."

Sebastian smiled. "Yes, I wouldn't suggest it either."

"Where should we look for evidence?" Lee asked. "Maybe we should head over to McKellan's and—"

"Wait a second," Bennett said, holding his hand up. "Lee, this is our mother we're talking about."

Lee's eyes widened and he whirled around to look at Bennett. "Are you trying to protect her right now? After everything she's done to you? To me? To Henley? To Brandon?"

"That's not what I meant. If we're going to do this, we're going to have one shot. We need to plan this out. She knows something is up since you've shown your face and not only that, you've said you're planning on marrying Henley."

I blinked. "Uh, what?"

Lee blushed. "Well... I just..."

Sebastian chuckled and Bennett pursed his lips together. "The point I'm trying to make it she will be on high alert. We can't go sneaking around quite yet. We need to be patient."

"Henley, what do you think?" Lee asked me. "I won't wait if you don't want to."

"Bennett's right. If your mother had enough power and influence to set Brandon up in the first place, I'm sure if she catches on to what we're doing any evidence that could possibly remain will be disposed of. Brandon is out of jail, and as long as we clear his name, we don't have to rush. Of course, I'm going to tell him everything that's happened today."

Lee and Sebastian murmured their agreement and Bennett brought his hand up to his chin, his eyes unfocused. "We need to trick her into a false sense of security."

"How do we do that? I can't imagine she took Lee saying he was going to marry me too easily." I raised my eyebrow at Lee who ducked his head.

"The best course of action is for you to stay away from both Bennett and Lee, so it seems like you're out of her life completely," Sebastian suggested. "If Bennett is compliant with her, she won't think anything is suspicious. So if he continues to act as if he's dating Cara—"

"I won't do it," Bennett cut him off. "Leaving Henley again is not an option."

My lips twitched and I did my best to hide my smile. I'd been a little bit nervous about Bennett having another breakdown and deciding it'd be best to keep me out of the picture, but hearing him say that was more reassuring than I thought. Maybe what I said had gotten through to him this time.

"I didn't mean you have to stop seeing her," Sebastian clarified, "but for now, it'd be best if she didn't come here. As in, if you want to spend time with her, do it at your place. She doesn't know about it. We're free to do as we please there. That way you can pretend you're having nothing to do with her."

"I also think you should continue to pretend to date Cara," I said. "It's really our best camouflage."

Bennett set his jaw. "I don't want to."

"You don't have a choice," Lee said, elbowing Bennett in the side. "Now isn't the time to be stubborn or romantic. You need to play your part."

"It doesn't feel right to involve her."

"I'm sure she won't mind. We can return the favor for her one day."

Bennett's gaze met mine as if he were asking me for permission. While I didn't really enjoy the idea, it made the most sense. And Cara seemed like a nice enough person. And not interested in Bennett at all, so it was fine. "I'm fine with it, Bennett, really. Anything it takes to clear Brandon's name."

"I'll also go and see my mother to see what I can do on my end," Lee said, pulling out his phone and glancing at it. "I'll go into the office with Bennett tomorrow."

Sebastian pushed himself off the couch and smoothed down his shirt. "Then the meantime, I'll do some investigation myself. Nothing that will tip her off though. I just wonder if there's anything my father might have that we could use to testify with."

"What should I do?" I asked.

"Relax," Sebastian told me. "Now you and Brandon can both be one hundred percent certain your brother didn't commit that crime."

"I still have to tell him."

Lee cleared his throat. "Actually... I'd like to tell him."

"Huh?"

"As much as it is my mother's fault, I still am a part of the reason this happened to him. And we were friends. I owe it to him to explain in person and apologize. Please let me do that."

"If that's what you want to do, I won't stop you." While it really should have been Lee's mother going to apologize, Lee was the next best choice. If anything, it would be the most genuine apology Brandon would get. But maybe it was best if I were there too... not that I didn't trust Brandon. I just didn't think Lee would fare to well if Brandon got pissed and punched him. I could at least be there for some kind of defense.

"If things are settled for today, then you two can leave."

Lee, Sebastian, and I all turned to Bennett. "Me?" I asked.

"No, Sebastian and Lee."

"Why are you kicking us out?"

"I'd like to spend some alone time with my girlfriend."

"Where am I supposed to go?" Lee asked.

"Go visit Henry or something. Don't come back until tomorrow."

I grimaced as Lee's eyebrows shot up to his hairline. Bennett could really choose his words more carefully... a nun wouldn't miss the innuendo in that.

Sebastian walked over to the kitchen and grabbed his keys off the countertop. "I'll head out then. We can discuss this more tomorrow, perhaps with Brandon."

"Sounds good."

"And Henley," he added, pausing as he passed me. "I really am sorry I kept this from you. I don't expect you to trust me again, but I don't want to lose your friendship."

"Sebastian, I know you were in a rough spot, but next time, know that it's okay to tell me these things. We're friends, aren't we? We need to work things out together. Don't keep things to yourself. That's what friends are for—"

Sebastian pulled me into a hug, squeezing me tightly to his chest and effectively silencing me. "Thanks, Henley."

"You're welcome," I mumbled.

"Isn't that long enough?" Bennett asked, magically appearing at our side.

Sebastian rolled his eyes and stepped back. "See you tomorrow, Bennett."

"Take Lee with you."

"I'm going, I'm going," Lee groaned, patting his pockets until he pulled out his keys. "I was looking forward to sleeping in my own bed tonight, too."

"Just stay at Henry's."

"His bed is so small. His feet must dangle off the edge if he straightens out."

"Stay at a hotel then."

"Anyway, I get the hint, I'm not wanted here anymore. Let's go Sebastian," Lee said, pushing on Sebastian's shoulders. "Be safe, kids."

A blush made its way onto my face at full force and Lee grinned before disappearing up the steps with Sebastian. Once they were gone, a silence fell in the room. I felt a little awkward so I made my way over to the glass wall, staring out at the lake. Through the reflection, I saw Bennett follow me over. He slid his arms over mine, wrapping my body inside them, resting his chin on my shoulder.

"I'm sorry, Henley," he whispered into my ear.

It sent goosebumps down my skin. "F-for what?"

"What my family has done to yours."

"It's not your fault," I said for what felt like the hundredth time. The Calloway brothers were definitely a pair.

"I'll make it up to you and your brother. We won't let my mother get away with this."

I reached for his hand and squeezed it. "I know."

"Are you tired? Hungry? I could cook you something if you'd like. Would you like to take a bath?"

I pulled away from him so I could face him. "Are you trying to suck up to me now?"

A tiny smile appeared on his lips. "Maybe a little."

"Well you know how to sucker me in. All I want right now is to get in that Jacuzzi tub."

"Let's take a bath then."

"Let's?" I repeated.

The smile never left Bennett's lips as he led me back up the stairs and down the hall to his bedroom. I stood in the corner of the bathroom as he turned on the faucet and ran his hand under the water until he seemed to find an agreeable temperature. Then he wandered back over to me and pulled me closer to the tub.

He must have sensed my resistance and he stopped. "Would you rather be alone?"

"Um... no. I've just never taken a bath with someone else before. I'm embarrassed," I admitted quietly.

"Being naked is natural. We're born into this world without clothing."

I narrowed my eyes at him.

"...Should I add bubbles? Would it help?"

I nodded and he went opened the cabinet under the sink and produced a small bottle, pouring some of its contents into the water. Within seconds bubbles started to form and a flowery scent filled the bathroom.

Bennett started loosening his tie and pulled it over his head, tossing it on the sink counter. He unfolded his cuffs and proceeded to unbutton his shirt, letting it fall to the floor. My mouth felt dry and I looked down at my own clothing. Was this supposed to be this awkward? Was I the only one feeling awkward?

When I reached for my shirt, Bennett's hands stopped me. "I'll do it," he said, taking the hem of my shirt and lifting it over my head. His hands caressed my bare shoulders for a second before they moved to my bra strap, which he undid easily. I moved my arms to cover my chest as he turned me around.