Doc took a step back, feeling like he’d been sucker-punched. He what?
“She doesn’t know any of this, so don’t blame her. But I can’t keep quiet. I love Caley. I think I have since the moment she asked me those ridiculous questions about whether I was a serial killer. Or at least tha
t was the start of it. I didn’t mean to. God, my life would be so much easier if I didn’t feel this way.”
Issy gaped at him, barely able to breathe. This was not the conversation he’d thought he would have. “You never said anything.”
Archer grimaced. “Because I thought I could leave without it hurting. I was fucking wrong. It hurts every fucking day I’m away from her. I didn’t think I could give her what she needs. What you can give her. I thought you were better for her.”
“And now you don’t think that?” Was he going to try to take her?
“No. God, no. Issy, I don’t want to take her from you. I don’t think I could. She loves you.”
“Then what the fuck do you want?” Issy demanded.
Archer ran his hand over his face. “I nearly lost her, Issy. We nearly did. I can’t live my life without at least knowing that I tried to…that I did everything possible to…”
“Archer, fucking tell me.”
“I want to share her.”
Doc stared at him. A million emotions ran through him and he struggled to grab onto one. The one he managed to grasp hold of probably wasn’t the best one.
Anger.
“Share her? Share her? She’s not some freaking toy you pass around, Archer!”
Archer flinched. “I know that. I would never disrespect her like that.”
“You think this is respectful?”
“It is if it’s what she needs, Issy. What she desires. What if what she wants is both of us? Are you going to deny her that? Do you really find it so objectionable to share her with me?”
What she wanted?
“Have you talked to her about this?”
“No. Of course not. She’s not in a position to hear this. She needs time to heal, to get over the loss of her home.”
“Then you’re going to leave now. And we’re both going to forget you ever said this.”
Archer flinched. “Issy—”
“Don’t call me that. Leave, Archer. And just don’t call me for a while.” He turned away.
“I’ll leave, but I’m not giving up.”
Doc winced. He didn’t turn. “She won’t go for this unless I’m okay with it. And I’m not okay with it.”
He stormed away.
Archer stared at the door for a few beats. That could have gone better. He sighed, and ran his hand over his face. He could have chosen a better time. A better way.
Fuck.
Now, Issy was going to dig his heels in. What if he poisoned Caley against Archer?
No. He wouldn’t do that. This might be a shock, but he knew his brother. He tended to react first and think after. He’d think about this. And hopefully, he’d realize this was what was right for all of them.