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I'm excited to see the woman I become without deadweight shackled to my ankles.
With Ethan, I've learned to move to my own beat, one where fear doesn't lead but follows at a distance. He's given me strength, not just in his arms, but within myself. Because of Ethan, I dare to dream of a life where love is the shelter, not the storm.
To dream, dance, and dare to create a life I love as much as I love Asher and Ethan.
Clsoing my eyes again, I know that no matter what Brandon or any force in this world throws at us, I will fight for that dream—for Asher, for Ethan, for the woman I've become with him.
No more running, Kristine. Now's the time to stand up for them like Ethan's standing for us. Resolved, I open my eyes.
Brandon stares at me as if I'm a stranger, and to him, I am. I'm not the woman he married or even the woman who divorced him. His glare darkens, and in the past, I'd back down. But no more.
“Is that phone going to be a problem?” Brandon barks.
“I told you I'd stay. However, you won't treat me like a prisoner or a child.”
“Or else what?”
I ignore his question, and I carefully climb out of Asher's bed. Since I had to spend the night at the hotel, I stayed close to my son. I lower and brush a kiss on his forehead, whispering of my love. I hug him and turn to visit the bathroom, pretending not to notice Brandon fuming.
Brandon is waiting outside the door when I exit. “This will have to stop when we get back together, Kristine. No text messages or phone calls. No sleeping anywhere but in our bed, as a married couple.”
I nod without much enthusiasm, reminded of the other things to do in bed besides sleep. Things I'll never do with him.
“What do you want from me, Brandon? To pretend I love you? That this is what I want? Because you'llneverget it.”
Rage storms in his eyes. “I don't give a damn whatyouwant. Youwillbe my wife. Youwillshare my bed. This time, it will be untildeathdo us part.”
“Anything else,dear?” I taunt, knowing that it's best to buy time.
Time until I'm back in Ethan's arms.
“That's much better.” Brandon smiles, and for a shadow of a second, the mask drops. “We could be happy again.”
“Not when you threaten to take my child and kill the man I love.”
“Ethan Callahan?”
“Yes, I told you. I'm here to be with my son and to protect Ethan.Not for you.”
“I'll make you regret it.”
“I already do.”
I turn to walk away, but he grips my arm. “You have an appointment with Dexter. We need some details confirmed about Club Allure.”
“I won't go against?—”
Brandon slaps his palm against the wall. I jump, startled. He leans in, and I want to shrink back. “I expect you to keep your word, Kristine. This is the price you must pay to get your life back, andourson.”
It's the price to pay for Ethan's life too.
“Fine.” I breathe in slowly, and I give him a tight nod.
“Meet with Dexter at The Vault. When you return, we'll share the good news with Asher that his parents are remarrying.”
“I'll see you later.” I nod, not looking forward to that conversation. But I silently pray we'll never get to it.
“Get going, Krissy. Asher and I will await your return.”
