Page 20 of My Alpha Stepbrother's Dirty Secret 2

I paused."anywhere that isn't back there.I can't face Killian right now.Or Cynthia."

He nodded."I know just the place."

It was a quiet bar, not loud, but still lively.

He ordered a round of shots and handed me the first.

"Drink.Trust me, you'll feel better."

I raised a brow."Is that professional alpha advice?"

He chuckled."Something like that."

I took the shot.

Then another.and another.

By the fifth one, I wasn't holding anything back.

"So," he said gently."You wanna talk about it?"

I let out a humorless laugh."Where do I start?That the woman who tormented me my entire life poured water on me at a gala?That she still thinks she owns the man who swore I was his future?That everyone there looked at me like I was filth for daring to stand next to him?"

He leaned forward slowly, his expression thoughtful."I mean...it's not completely surprising, is it?You know Cynthia's been with Killian for years.They were even married.It's not easy to erase that history just because he marked someone new."

I blinked."What are you saying?"

Darion shrugged, lifting another shot to his lips."I'm just saying...men like Killian don't change overnight.and people talk.You know he's running for alpha King, right?That role comes with responsibilities...image...stability."

My throat tightened."He said I was his choice.His Luna."

Darion tilted his head."Did he say that before or after he showed up at that gala still married to Cynthia?"

I stared at him, quite confused.

"Look Liana," he replied calmly, setting the glass down."I've known Killian a long time.We're ...Uhmm...Sometimes friends...But that doesn't mean I agree with how he handles things.See, I'm not trying to upset you, but Cynthia's not just some jealous wife.She's smart.Strategic.and very much still involved in his life.The things she said tonight...maybe they weren't all lies."

I shook my head."He's divorcing her."

"Is he?"Darion asked, gently."Or is that what he told you to keep you quiet while he runs his campaign?It wouldn't be the first time Killian's played both sides to get what he wants."

I looked down, my hands tightening around the shot glass.

"I'm just saying," he continued softly, "you deserve to know what you're getting into.You deserve someone who chooses you publicly.Not someone who hides behind promises and leaves you crying in restrooms while his wife attacks you."

He reached across the table then, his fingers brushing lightly against mine before taking my hand fully in his.He held it like he meant it, firm, intimate, warm.

"You don't deserve this kind of pain," he said."You deserve better, Liana.Let me take care of you.Just for tonight.Let me be the one who doesn't make you cry."

I didn't answer right away.The alcohol was starting to cloud my head, and his words...they were gentle and soft and sounded too good, too easy.

He stood up slowly, still holding my hand."Come dance with me."

I followed.

On the dance floor, the lights blurred everything, the music was loud enough to drown out thought, and Darion, no Killian was close, his hands on my waist, his breath warm against my ear, his voice low and smooth as he leaned in.

"You're beautiful," he murmured."You're strong.But you've been carrying too much.Let me help.Let me hold you.Let me be the one who stays."