Page 180 of Theirs to Possess: The Marriage Claim

“He’s being a fucking dick—to his admin, his staff, the security team. Barking orders, tearing through the office like a goddamn god intent on destroying everything.”

“How’s that different from any other day?” My wry attempt at humor falls flat, and we both seem to know I’m trying to cover for the way I hurt at the thought of Dorian unraveling.

Brennan’s lips quirk, a fleeting shadow of a smile. “It’s worse. He’s lost it since you left.”

That may be part of it, but the truth is so much deeper. “Sinceweleft.”

In acknowledgment of my correction, he raises one shoulder.

“Regardless, I’m not here for him or because of him,” he reassures me again. “I’m here because I miss you, Isla. Every fucking second. Your laugh, the way you hum when you’re working hard, the way you make this”—he gestures at the cluttered room, at Calypso purring in his lap—”or any space feel like home. Comforting. A place I want to be.”

My throat closes, tears pricking hot and unwelcome. I want to scream at him to stop, to not rip open the wounds I’m barely stitching shut.

Instead, I whisper, “You can’t say that. Not after everything. Lena, my father, the lies. You were part of it.”

“Yeah. I was. I own that.” He moves Calypso from his lap, setting her down gently, and she weaves between his legs, her soft meows proving how much she, too, has missed him. “And I owe you an apology.”

Brennan stands, closing the distance between us in two strides, his presence a tidal wave I can’t outrun. “I know we fucked up.” His voice is low, fervent. “Ifucked up. Keeping you in the dark, not letting you know what you were dealingwith, thinking we could protect you—it was wrong. But Isla, I—” He stops, his breath uneven, and then his hands are on my face, warm and calloused, framing my cheeks like I’m something precious. “I love you.”

The words shatter the pieces I’ve been trying to hold together.

In an instant, his lips crash against mine, hungry and desperate, a kiss that’s all heat and heart, pouring everything he is into me.

It’s meaningful, electric, a vow sealed in the press of his mouth, and I’m drowning, my hands fisting in his shirt, clinging to him even as my mind screams to pull away.

“Brennan, I…” My voice is a broken sob as he pulls back, his forehead resting against mine, his breath ragged.

He presses a finger to my lips, silencing me. “Shh. Just promise me you’ll remember this. And me.” His voice is a low rumble, thick with emotion, his eyes fierce and unwavering, branding me with his love.

I nod, tears spilling down my cheeks, unable to speak.

He pushes himself upright, and as if she knows she’s about to lose him again, Calypso winds around his legs. Her purrs are a soft plea.

His gaze filled with emotion, he studies me. “You could come with me.” He exhales and attempts a smile. “My place. Just us. No Dorian, no past. Just you and me.”

The offer is a spark, tempting me. I see it—quiet mornings with him, Calypso curled between us, no weight of Dorian’s lies or Lena’s ghost.

My body aches for it, for his steadiness, his touch. But the truth is there, as cold as it is undeniable.

“It’s not just us.” I shake my head. “It’s supposed to be the three of us. And knowing Dorian’s so close? I’m not sure I could take it.”

His eyes darken, pain flashing through them. But he givesa curt, accepting nod. “I had to try.” His tone is rough with resignation.

He heads to the door, Calypso alongside him. “I’ll wait, Isla.” Calypso brushes her tail against his jeans. “For as long as it takes.”

The door clicks shut behind him, and I wrap my arms around myself, as if I can hold myself together as my heart shatters again.

Calypso nudges my ankle, but I can’t move, can’t breathe.

The memory of Brennan’s kiss burns on my lips. His love is a weight I can’t carry, but also one I can’t let go of.

I do love him.

Them.

I’m alone, but I’m not free, and maybe never will be.

My breath catches on a hiccup as tears sting my eyes.