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Charles’s eyes narrowed. “Look! He is still using you! He won’t even face me, he needs to hide behind you.” Charles sneered. “A disgrace.”

Sarah lifted her chin. “I do not agree with either one of you. Both of you made poor choices in the past and, unfortunately for me, my life was upended in it all.”

Eli stepped out from behind Sarah. “Brother, Sarah and I spoke and she forgave me for my missteps in our relationship.”

The word “relationship” raked down Charles’s spine like rusty nails. Just the thought of his brother having anything more than a casual acquaintance with his wife fueled his wrath. The thought of Eli touching her, kissing her, taking her to his bed had his rage just at the tipping point.

Charles stretched his neck causing little pops to sound. He stretched his fingers in front of him causing his knuckles to crack. He widened his stance and flexed his hands at his side.

The movements caused Eli’s eyes to widen as alarm bells were surely going off in his head. However, Sarah was none the wiser to his ministrations.

Good. If she knew he was preparing his body for a fight, she would try to stop him again.

Eli put up his hands. “Charles. Stop. Whatever you’re thinking it didn’t happen. I came to apologize and she accepted. She seemed like she was having a tough time so I offered her a hug.”

Charles snarled.

Eli’s eyes widened even more as he shrank back. “A brotherly hug! I swear! I have no malicious intent or ill will towards either one of you.”

“You shouldn’t be touching her in any way!” His yell echoed throughout the room.

Both Eli and Sarah took a step back from him.

“Charles,” Eli began.

“No. You have done enough. I have fixed your last mistake.”

A small gasp escaped Sarah but Charles ignored her.

“You are to leave this estate and never return. I don’t want to see you ever again. You are not welcome in any of our residences and I will instruct everyone who works for me to refuse your call.” Charles took one more breath before delivering the final blow.

“You are done.” He enunciated each word.

Twin flags of red peaked on Eli’s cheeks. “You can’t mean that, Charles. Everything is fine, we’ve moved on.” Eli looked over to Sarah for help but she stood in shock.

“I always mean what I say, Eli.” Charles rose a finger and pointed to Sarah. “The second you left her at the alter you sealed your fate.”

The memory of a humiliated and confused Sarah pummeled Charles’s mind. She looked so innocent and helpless in that moment. He swore he would never allow Eli to cause her that much pain again.

He looked over to his wife who was wearing the same expression as that day. Charles growled and looked back to Eli.

“Get out,” he bellowed. “Now! And don’t come back.”

Eli once more looked to Sarah for help but she was still frozen, staring at the ground.

Charles could see Eli fighting with moistening eyes and was surprised he didn’t let a tear fall for effect. Eli always had a flair for the dramatics.

Eli rolled his lips and rushed out of the room with his shoulders hunched and his head cast down.

“Coward.” Charles muttered.

He looked back to Sarah who was now looking straight at him. She was the personification of fire and fury.

“Am I a mistake to you?” She seethed.

“What?” Charles had the audacity to look confused.

“You’re not the only one who doesn’t like to repeat themselves, Charles.” She stated.