“Yeah. We’re here, too. And Daphne’s family.”
We’re here, but I shouldn’t be. Not now, and not when his baby is born. A better person would tell the truth.
I can’t do it.
“We’ll figure it out.” Sinclair gives an easy shrug. “Honestly, Em. There’s nobody better at taking care of Daphne than you. It’ll be the same for the baby. But we can be here whenever you need us.”
Emerson glances between the two of us again. “It’s a lot to ask.”
“I don’t keep score,” Sin says.
“You should.” Em rubs a hand over his face. “You know that.”
Because he owes Sinclair his life. Our older brother has waited Emerson out through panic attacks much worse than this one. Dragged him away from speeding traffic and his most dangerous impulses many, many times.
“Too much work.” Sin leans back on the couch. “Em.”
Emerson looks at him. He’s tired. Pale. Hopeful.
“It’s great news. We’re fucking thrilled for you.”
Okay.That’s what Emerson means to say, but no sound comes out. A tentative smile flashes over his face.
“You got any good news, Will?” Sinclair asks.
“I have a contract to merge with Hughes Financial Services.” It comes out flat and irritated.Don’t take the deal unless you’re ready to take orders.That’ll be the day.
Emerson’s eyebrows go up. He clears his throat, still obviously shaken. “Is it a hostile takeover?”
“No. They’re giving me a superyacht.”
Sinclair considers me. “Not the superyacht you wanted?”
“The yacht’s fine.”
It’s all the rest of this shit that’s not. I want Bristol. I want to be in bed with Bristol right now.
I feel no satisfaction when I think about the contract. Abouttaking ordersfrom Finn Hughes. But when I think about her?
Yes.
That cannot be what she represents. It’s not possible. Women always walk out the door. My mother is a prime example.
And me? I shouldn’t be in the same city as Bristol, much less the same bedroom.
“Was Dad less of an asshole before Mom left?”
Sin’s eyebrows draw together. “He was always a prick.”
“But was he worse after she was gone?”
I know that she probably left because he was a monster, but I can’t help thinking that it was the other way around. That Dad became who he was because she left. And we were the ones who suffered for it.
“I can’t say for sure.” Sinclair shifts forward, watching me. “Did it seem that way to you?”
“Seemed like you shouldn’t have come back.”
He scoffs, tone light. “Wasn’t going to leave my brothers.”