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Skylar looks up, her eyes meeting mine. For a moment, I swear I see a flicker of...something. Hurt? Anger? It's gone before I can place it.
"I didn't hear you come in," she says, her voice steady but with an undercurrent of tension.
I force myself to step forward, to breathe. "Don't stop on our account," I manage, my voice rougher than I intended. "Looks like you've got quite the captive audience."
As I sink into a nearby armchair, I can't shake the feeling of déjà vu. It's like I'm seeing double—the present moment overlaid with a hazy memory of another time, another life.
Maybe it really is another life. A life where this scene wouldn't be so jarring, so...achingly beautiful.
My chest tightens with an unexpected surge of possessiveness. I want to freeze this moment, to protect it. To keep Skylar here, safe and warm, surrounded by the laughter of our children.
It's ridiculous. Dangerous. But as I watch her tug one of Elodie's ringlets, I can't deny the longing that courses through me. For what, exactly, I'm not sure.
All I know is that I want more of this. More of her. And that terrifies me more than Austin's death-defying driving ever could.
Austin's voice cuts through the room like a whip, shattering the tranquil moment. "What the hell was Brielle doing here?" he demands, his eyes narrowing on Skylar.
I tense, watching as Skylar's posture shifts. She gently disentangles herself from the kids, her movements deliberate and controlled. The warmth in her eyes hardens to steel as she meets Austin's glare.
"Your ex-wife showed up uninvited," Skylar replies, her tone clipped. "I handled it."
Austin scoffs, taking a step closer. "Handled it? That's all you have to say? I want details, Skylar. Now."
I feel the tension in the room ratchet up a notch. Skylar rises to her feet, crossing her arms over her chest. "She demanded to see Lucas. I refused. She left. End of story."
"And you didn't think to call me?" Austin's voice drops dangerously low.
Skylar doesn't back down. "I texted. You said you were in meetings all day. I made a judgment call."
As I watch them face off, I'm struck by the crackling energy between them. It's like watching two alpha predators circling each other, each refusing to show weakness. The air feels charged, electric.
A knot forms in my stomach, an uncomfortable mix of admiration and...jealousy? I try to shake it off, but it clings to me like a second skin. I've never seen anyone stand up to Austin like this, matching him blow for verbal blow.
"A judgment call?" Austin practically snarls. "This isn't some corporate takeover, Skylar. This is my son we're talking about."
"I'm well aware," Skylar snaps back. "And I protected him, which is my job. Or have you forgotten why I'm here?"
I can't tear my eyes away from them. The fire in Skylar's eyes, the tension in Austin's jaw—it's mesmerizing. And deeply unsettling. I find myself wanting to step between them, to...what? Protect Skylar? Stand with her against my brother?
The realization hits me like a punch to the gut. I want her. Not just physically, but in a way I haven't wanted anyone since...well, since before my world fell apart. Maybe even before that. And watching her go toe-to-toe with Austin only intensifies that desire.
As I struggle with this revelation, movement catches my eye. Theo leans against the doorframe, his gaze fixed on Skylar. The look on his face is one I've never seen before—pure, unguarded admiration. His eyes are wide, almost dreamy, as if he's watching some kind of miracle unfold.
I mean, if he were a cartoon, there would be literal hearts in his eyes.
"You're incredible," Theo murmurs, just loud enough for me to hear.
Skylar turns, her fiery gaze softening slightly as it lands on Theo. A small smile plays at the corners of her mouth, and I feel a fresh wave of jealousy wash over me.
"Thanks, Theo," she says, her voice losing some of its edge. "At least someone appreciates my efforts."
I run a hand through my hair, trying to sort through the tumult of emotions coursing through me. "Look," I interject,desperate to regain some control, "maybe we should all take a moment to cool down."
But as soon as the words leave my mouth, I realize I'm not ready to let this moment end. I want to keep Skylar here, in our orbit, for as long as possible. The realization is both thrilling and terrifying.
"Cohen's right," Austin grudgingly agrees, his eyes still locked on Skylar. "We can discuss this more...rationally...later."
As they begin to disperse, I'm left with a sinking feeling in my chest. What am I doing? Between Theo's puppy-dog eyes, Austin's volatile chemistry with Skylar, and my own messy history, pursuing anything more than a professional relationship with her seems impossible.