Ben looked…hurt. And that hurt her. Because she hadn’t gotten involved with Eric to hurt Ben. She’d gotten involved with him because she’d never wanted anyone more. Her chin lifted. “Yes.”

“Fuck.” Now there was anger in Ben’s voice. “For how long?” His gaze swung back to Eric. “You two have been lying to me? Hiding this shit? It’s been going on forever, right, and I was just some dumbass in the dark? I was—”

“It just started,” Piper cut in. “And you’re not a dumbass. You’re my best friend.”

Now his stare was back on her. “Best friends don’t keep secrets.”

She’d kept this one. “It just started. And I’m sorry that you were hurt by that bastard out there, sorrier than I can say. I would never, ever want you to be hurt.”

He growled.

“But I’m not sorry that I’m involved with Eric.”

Eric’s head whipped toward her.

“I wanted him for a long time, and when we got together—we just got together, in case you missed it when I said that before—it was because I wanted him and he wanted me.”

Ben shook his head. “There are some lines that you don’t cross.”

Her heart was squeezing in her chest again. Ben was staring at her with anger and pain, and she’d done that. She’d known that he wouldn’t like it if she slept with his brother. But knowing what could happen, being afraid of Ben’s reaction, she’d made a choice.

I wanted Eric more.

The truth settled in her very soul. “I crossed the line. I chose to do it.” This was on her. Her choice. No matter what bridges had been burned.

But it hurts. It hurts so much when Ben looks at me that way.

“Don’t be mad at Piper,” Eric snapped. “I went after her. I wanted her for years. I wanted her and I—”

“Give us some time alone, Piper.” The machines were beeping in the background. Ben’s gaze darted away from hers. “I want to talk with my brother.”

Her stare flew to Eric.

“I want to talk with my brother.” The machines were louder.

As if in response, a nurse bustled inside. “You’re awake!” A pretty nurse with a coffee cream complexion and jet black hair hurried toward the bed. With a quick, no-nonsense style, she began checking Ben’s vital signs.

Piper backed up. A muscle flexed in Ben’s jaw. And his hand lifted to touch his face and he finally seemed to realize—

“Shit! That prick broke my nose!”

Piper winced.

The nurse gave a low hum. “I can’t have you getting upset. You’ve been through an ordeal, and you need to rest.” Her stare took in both Piper and Eric. “You’re family? Only family should be in here now.”

“He is,” Ben cut in.