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First time it’s ever felt like mine. First time I’ve ever felt like I had to defend it against my own family and I hate it. I hate feeling this way, but I suddenly understand what Con tried to tell me months ago when we finally had a discussion about his father’s decision to sign everything over to me.
I’m it.
Sometime, in-the-not-too-distant future, my aunt and uncle will be gone, and I’ll be the only thing holding them together. Without me between them, Conner and Declan would tear each other apart. It might not always stay that way, but it’s the way it is now. It sucks, and I hate it.
But I finally understand. I finally accept it.
The words seem to snap something inside Declan and his shoulders slump. His jaw goes soft.
“Leave,” I say. “Now, Declan.”
He casts one more look over my shoulder before turning on his heel and weaving his way back through the crowd. “Let him go,” I shout at Conner as Declan passes and he does as I say, glaring at his brother as he makes his way out the door.
The entire bar is dead quiet, everyone in the place staring at me.
Fuck it.
“Who wants a shot on the house?” I yell over the crowd, and it erupts into a roar of shouts and whistles.
Sometimes, family sucks.