AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“That’s your beef?” I ask, curious, not judgmental.
“Fuck you,” he snarls. “I knew this was going to be a waste of time.”
“No, you didn’t think that at all, or you wouldn’t have made the move to come to the Angel, where quite frankly, today, of all days, you could’ve been shot between the eyes.”
He grimaces. “You get your shit sorted?”
“What do you think?”
He snorts. “Fair enough. But don’t stall me, asshole.”
“Fine. Because Dad asked me not to,” I answer truthfully, my voice steady despite the tension between us.
“Fucker,” he spits out.
“Won’t disagree.”
“Why did you listen to him?”
“It was fucking easier than arguing with him,” I snap, losing my temper at the thought of it. “Don’t you remember how it was always easier to go along than to fight?”
Tears prick my eyes suddenly, humiliating and hot. Turning away, I blink them back.
“But what about after he died?”
“You and Caden had already made your choices.” Facing him again now that I’m more in control, I breathe out heavily.
Cathal’s jaw works as he grinds his teeth together, clearly struggling to accept my explanation. Despite his anger, I can see the hurt buried beneath it all. I wish things could be different so that we didn’t have this rift between us.
“Fine,” he bites out. “I guess I wanted an answer, you’ve given it.”
Expecting him to storm out under the cloud he permanently lives under, I’m surprised when he sits back, sipping his whiskey contemplatively.
“Is that it?”
“What more is there to say? I asked, you answered. Do I want to know why Dad was being a dick and keeping me and Caden out, sure? But I’m guessing you have no idea, and he’s dead, so what the fuck difference does it make now?”
Fair points.
He’s right. I don’t know. I don’t care.
“Is there something about Summer that’s caught your interest, brother?” I ask, letting my question hang heavy in the air between us. This is something that needs addressing before I lose my mind over it. In or out, I need to know. It doesn’t escape my notice that he is the only man on earth I won’t kill where he sits with his thoughts on my girl.
And there is only one reason for that. Deep down, I know she isours. Always was. Always will be. Fate has drawn the cards that way, and I’m a big believer in not fucking with the Sisters.
Cathal hesitates for a moment, his gaze flicking between me and Summer, who has edged back into the room after hearing her name. He takes a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before answering. “Yes, I do want Summer. There’s something about her that I...need.”
His words linger in the air, and I glance at Summer, who seems to be taking this revelation surprisingly well. Her eyes are wide, and there’s a faint blush creeping up her cheeks, but she doesn’t look angry or upset. If anything, she appears intrigued by the situation unfolding before her. Something profound happened between them when he abducted her, and I’ll be damned if I know what because neither of them are talking.
“I have an idea, but you both need to be on board with it.” I pause, waiting for their attention to shift back to me. Once I’m certain I have it, I continue, “What if we share Summer? Not in some twisted, possessive way, but as equals - we both care for her, protect her, and ensure her happiness.”
The room is thick with tension as they process my proposal. In truth, this is all I’ve thought about since Summer hugged him for killing Mark. It was obvious to a blind man, never mind one who has his eyes wide open with perfect vision. When I look at them now, I know that love doesn’t fit neatly into boxes or follow any set rules. And if we’re going to make this work, we’ll have to navigate these uncharted waters together.
“Sharing?” Cathal questions, his brows furrowing as he considers the implications. His hands clench and unclench, a sign of the inner turmoil he’s experiencing.
“Think about it,” I urge him, my voice softening. “This isn’t about taking turns with her, but being all together, giving her our attention, affection and protection. We’ll need to communicate openly, trust each other, and most importantly, prioritize Summer’s well-being above all else.”
Cathal looks back at Summer, who seems to be contemplating the idea, her delicate features etched with uncertainty. She bites her lower lip, a habit I’ve come to find endearing during our time together.
