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Theo takes a step forward, his green eyes blazing. “You want the truth?” His voice is low, almost a growl. “Fine. Skylar was mine. Always has been. Always will be.”
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Austin demands, his voice rising.
Theo exhales sharply, his jaw tightening. “She’s the reason I ended up at that damn boarding school. Our parents—” He stops, his voice cracking. “Our parents weren’t exactly friendly with each other. The moment they realized what we were to each other, they tore us apart, sent me away, and I never saw her again. Until now.”
The confession hangs in the air, thick with emotion. I glance at Austin, who looks momentarily stunned before his features harden again.
Austin pinches the bridge of his nose, muttering under his breath. “This is a disaster waiting to happen.”
“I didn’t ask for this,” Theo says quietly, his voice raw, “but I’m not going to ignore it either.”
I lean back, letting the tension between them play out, but I can’t help the knot forming in my stomach. Theo’s claim feels like a gauntlet thrown down, one I’m not sure I want to pick up—or avoid entirely.
Austin looks between the two of us, his expression a mix of frustration and resignation. “If either of you think you’re going to drag her into some kind of tug-of-war, think again. I need her to focus solely on the kids, and I won’t have her caught in whatever this is.”
Theo glares at him but doesn’t respond, his silence speaking volumes.
I finally break the stalemate, my voice calm but firm. “Austin’s right. We can’t let this get messy. She’s part of this family for now at least—whether we like it or not.”
Theo’s jaw tightens, but he nods, the fire in his eyes dimming just slightly. Austin, satisfied for now, turns to leave, muttering something about needing a drink.
Theo waits until the sound of Austin’s retreating footsteps fades before speaking, his voice low but resolute. “She’s mine. I will take her in whatever way she’ll have me.”
His words are a gut punch, raw and unapologetic. He meets my gaze, unflinching. “But what happens between you and her? That’s between the two of you. I won’t interfere.”
The declaration is both a challenge and a concession, leaving no room for doubt about how far he’s willing to go.
The question is: how far amIwilling to go?
Chapter 10
Austin
Istorm down the hallway, my footsteps echoing off the marble floors. "Fucking Theo and his bullshit claims," I mutter under my breath, my jaw clenched tight. "Women digging their claws in, ruining everything we've built."
The weight of his words still sits heavy on my shoulders, digging in like sharp nails. I rub at the back of my neck, trying to shake the tension that seems to coil tighter with every step. It doesn’t help. Nothing does lately.
The living room comes into view, and I stop short. She’s back on the couch with the kids.
Beautiful trouble, curled up on the oversized leather sofa like she belongs there. Her caramel-brown hair catches the late afternoon sunlight streaming through the windows, turning it to warm, golden strands. She’s reading to Lucas and Elodie again, her melodic voice soft but animated as she brings the story to life.
I should interrupt. Tell her to pack up and go. But my feet stay rooted, my eyes drawn to the scene like I’m watching a car crashI can’t look away from. Her finger traces the words on the page as she reads, her movements graceful and precise. She’s not just reading—she’s guiding. Teaching.
She gives Lucas and Elodie turns, coaxing them gently when they stumbles over a word. Elodie’s confidence has been a struggle lately, especially with reading. It’s usually like pulling teeth to get her to practice, but here she is, focused, determined. And smiling.
Skylar makes it look effortless.
A sharp pang hits me square in the chest. I rub at it absently, willing the sensation away. What is it about her that gets under my skin like this? It’s not just irritation—it’s something deeper, something I don’t want to name.
"And then the brave knight..." Skylar's words fade as she looks up, those piercing hazel eyes locking onto mine.
"Dad!" Lucas' eyes light up as he spots me, his small face beaming. "You're back!"
I force my hand away from my chest, squaring my shoulders. My suit feels too tight suddenly, the fabric constricting as I try to shake off the lingering discomfort. "I am, bud. I see you're still here," I say to Skylar, my tone clipped.
Skylar arches one perfectly shaped eyebrow, her lips curving into a faint smirk. "Your powers of observation never cease to amaze me, Austin."
The kids giggle, and the sound grates against the frayed edges of my patience. "I thought you'd be gone by now," I say, taking a step closer. My voice hardens, the words coming out sharper than I intended. “We’re home now. Your services are no longer required.”