Total pages in book: 106
Estimated words: 99917 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 500(@200wpm)___ 400(@250wpm)___ 333(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99917 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 500(@200wpm)___ 400(@250wpm)___ 333(@300wpm)
The accusation stings, but only because there’s truth in it. Our relationship was always complicated, but it was also…something else. Something genuine that got tangled up in expectations and obligations.
“That’s not fair,” I say, voice low. “What we had—”
“Was built on lies,” she finishes for me. “Lies about who you were. About who I was. About what was expected of us. And worst of all, the lies you told yourself to keep us from actually being something.”
“And what you have with him is better?” I can’t keep the bitterness from my tone. “The man who kidnapped me? Who stole my life? Who’s been planning the destruction of our entire family?”
“I didn’t say that.” Lilian glances back at Arson, and a look of complication passes between them. “There is no competition to be had. I’m not choosing either of you. I’m choosing myself.”
When we don’t respond, she stands, hands on her hips and mouth grim. “Going forward, if either of you wants anything to do with me, you will learn to fucking share. Learn to put your differences aside. I don’t care how much it might hurt me to walk away. Don’t call my bluff because I’ll do it. Seeing you two act like this hurts me so much more.”
“It’s not something we can turn on and off,” Arson mutters, clearly frustrated.
Lilian takes a deep breath, maybe trying to center herself before she looks between us once more.
“I understand that, and I’m not expecting you to let all that pain and hatred go. But I will not let you use me as an object to transfer those emotions through. If either of you wants a chance with me, if you care as much as you claim, then you will learn to get along. Even if it’s only for me. Our primary focus is working together, and we can’t work as a team if you’re constantly at odds with each other. These men—whoever they are, whatever they want—they’re playing a game none of us fully understand. It was clear by the way the older one was talking to me that he knew things that we didn’t. We are missing big pieces of the puzzle. We can’t be at our strongest if the only thing you both care more about than bringing these people down is hurting each other.”
Arson resettles his shoulders, and it’s so wholly a movement that isn’t related to me that it makes me relax a degree.
“I understand,” I tell her, willing her to see it.
“So do I,” Arson adds.
She shakes her head at us. “If you understood, then you would let some of the hate between the two of you go, so you could work together, but you don’t. You’re still at each other’s throats.”
It’s the truth, and I don’t know how to defuse the rage.
Which is greater—my hate for Arson or my desire to be with Lilian?
There is no Lilian without him, and if I want her, then I will need to learn to accept that.
“I’m not giving you up, and I’m not willing to put your safety at risk because of him.”
“I feel the same way,” Arson growls.
“Okay, then we’re in agreement. You will do your best to stop fighting and trying to hurt each other.”
My jaw aches as I clench it. I don’t want to agree, but I know if I don’t, Lilian will walk out that fucking door, and I won’t be able to live with myself if I let her walk away again.
“Yes, at least for the time being. Once everything returns to normal, I can’t say we won’t be at each other’s throats again. The only thing we can seem to agree on is you.”
Arson meets my gaze, identical hazel eyes reflecting the same cold determination I feel. “Agreed.”
“Fine, but my stance remains the same. It’s both of you or neither of you. I refuse to choose between you.”
We settle into silence that I hope means she believes we are going to try, but I don’t have high hopes. Even I don’t believe we can make this temporary truce work, but failing her isn’t a fucking option.
Arson draws my attention away from my raging thoughts when he snags a laptop out of a bag off the floor. “I can get started on investigating these guys a little more.”
I scratch my jaw. “What do you mean? You said they were your backers. Don’t you know who you have backing you?”
He levels me with an icy look. “I doubt I need to explain this to you, but sometimes people turn out to be something worse or better than you thought they were. Turns out, I didn’t know these fuckers as well as I thought.”
At least he’s taking accountability for his lack of fucking original research. This partnership should have never happened. It’s strange, watching him take charge. Seeing the man—my brother—working on a plan that might save us all. Part of me wants to resist on principle—to fight his leadership simply because it’s him, but I just agreed to keep the peace. It’s necessary for Lilian’s protection that we work together. At least until this more immediate threat is dealt with. After that, we’ll see what happens. One thing I know for sure is that neither of us intends to give her up.