Page 39 of My Alpha Stepbrother's Dirty Secret 2

That made everything in my chest twist.Tight.So tight I couldn't breathe.

"Mom, please."

"Killian, she came home crying.Crying, Killian.What did you do to her?She looked broken."

"I didn't—" I started, but I couldn't even finish the sentence because it didn't matter what I said.She left.and I was the reason.

"I'm coming over," I said again, more to myself than to her, and I ended the call before she could try and stop me.

I grabbed my jacket off the couch, made my way out of the hotel and drove out of the hotel garage as fast as I could.

I stopped at a flower and gift shop and grabbed a bouquet of pink roses because I knew she loved them, picked out her favorite chocolates, and then turned to the corner with toys until I found the superhero section and picked one for him.

My chest was tight the whole drive to her dad's place.I didn't even know what I was expecting, a hug?a slap?Her walking away from me again?I just knew I had to see her.I had to try.I had to let her know that the woman who ruined everything was finally out of my life.

When I parked in front of the house, I sat there for a second, my fingers tapping against the steering wheel, my nerves fucking everywhere.Then I grabbed the flowers and the gifts, got out of the car, and headed straight for the door.

I rang the bell, and barely a second passed before the door opened.My mother stood there.Her arms were crossed.Her face stiff.

"Killian," she said, "I thought I told you not to bother coming.She doesn't want to see you."

I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could say a single word, I heard those little feet pounding on the floor, that high-pitched voice screaming as if he hadn't just seen me days ago.

"Daddy!"

Ryan launched himself into my arms so fast I almost dropped the damn flowers.I crouched down, catching him mid-air, hugging him tight while he laughed and wrapped his arms around my neck.

"God, I missed you," I whispered, burying my face in his hair, breathing in that sweet scent that always smelled like soap.

Ryan pulled back with wide eyes."Did you bring me something?"

I laughed, my chest finally easing a little as I reached into the bag."Of course I did.Here."

"Whoa!This is the one I told you about!"he gasped."Thank you, Daddy!You're the best!

I looked around."Where's your mommy?I want to speak to her."

Ryan didn't even hesitate.He grabbed my hand like we were heading to the park and started dragging me toward the hallway."Come on, I know where she is.She locked herself in her room.But I can help you!"

I turned to my mom briefly.She just shrugged, as if she'd given up trying to control how things turned out between me and her.

"Where's Grandpa?"I asked Ryan as we walked down the hall.

"He went out," Ryan said casually."He said he won't be back till nighttime.It's just Grandma, Mommy and me.and now you."

I smiled a little at that.The way he said it made it sound like it was the most natural thing in the world.

We stopped at her door, and Ryan turned to me, pressing a finger to his lips."Shhhhh," he said.

I didn't even realize I was holding my breath until then.

He knocked on the door gently."Mommy?"

There was silence.My hand holding the flowers was trembling slightly.My other hand clenched the bag with Ryan's toy.

"Who's it?"I heard Liana's sweet sultry voice.

"Mommy, it's me," Ryan said, his voice so soft it made something twist hard in my chest."Please open up, Mommy.Please."