Wilson has been out of her life for a little over a month now. Obviously, it wasn’t a proper relationship, or something she needs to get over. But it’s a wound that needs to heal before she’s ready for what I want.
Without checking the peephole, I open the door. My mistake. My sister Suze shoves me out of the way as she makes herself right at home. She’s one of three. The other two are never far behind. I step out, wary, to see if the other two are lurking nearby. Wouldn’t be the first ambush.
“What are you doing?” Suze shrugs out of her coat and hangs it on the last hook. Then zeros in on the tiny tennis shoes and purple backpack that clearly aren’t mine. Lifting it up with one finger, she arches an eyebrow. “Tell me you didn’t forget to mention you have a kid, Darius. Because this would be one hell of a way to break the news.”
I yank it from her hand and set it back on the floor. “Are you alone, or are the other two running late?”
“It’s just me.” She points at the other items that belong to Ingrid and wrinkles her nose. “So this is why you’ve parked yourself here? I knew one day all your running about would cause you one massive headache. Mother is worried. Father wants you home and to stop denying your family obligation. The rest of us just want to see you.”
The doorbell rings again, and this time it’s our food. I pay the guy and then head back down the hall to the kitchen with my sister fast on my heels.
Ingrid is still sitting on the couch, unaware that things are about to get interesting.
“Have you eaten?” I ask Suze as I grab a few trays and begin unloading the containers. “I’m sure we have plenty of food to split three ways.”
Poking her head around the doorway into the sitting room, her face scrunches up in disapproval before moving back out of sight. With her thumb over her shoulder, she whispers loudly, “What the hell are you up to?”
Before I can answer, Ingrid hobbles in, oblivious that we have company. “It smells so good. I’m starving. Spent the last month eating like an athlete, cutting out everything I love. I guess that’s one positive about being out for the season. Did the guy forget something? He rang the bell twice?”
I shake my head, rolling my eyes at my sister’s raised eyebrow. Sliding an arm around Ingrid, I pull her close, kiss her softly, and then spin her so she sees we’re not alone. “Ingrid, this is my oldest sister, Suze. No clue why she’s here, or how she found me. But that’s the Falcons for you. They pop in whenever the hell they want. No warning. No courtesy call. My guess? She’s here to haul me home and remind me to play nice.”
Ingrid’s shoulders tense beneath my hands, a slight tremor a testament to her mounting anxiety. It’s clear she’s uncomfortable, yet manages a quiet, “Nice to meet you.”
Suze doesn’t waste time on niceties. “And you would be… what, exactly, to my brother? Is this serious? Or just a fling? You realize he’s expected to marry one of the chosen, don’t you? He can’t just marry anyone.”
“Not true.” Protectively, I wrap my arm around Ingrid. “I’ll marry whoever the hell I choose. I abandoned all of that bullshit a long time ago. After Mother tried to push me into a relationship with a woman I wanted nothing to do with, I stopped going home. Please believe what I’ve been saying, Ingrid. Not all this crap.”
Facing me, Ingrid’s hand lands on my chest with a soft pat. “I believe you. We’re on the same page about family drama. Let me grab my food and leave you two to chat.” She lifts onto her tiptoes of her good foot and places a sweet kiss on my lips.
Suze shakes her head as she watches Ingrid make a wobbly, not so speedy exit. Our eyes meet, and to my surprise, a smile forms. “She’s cute. I hope you know what you’re doing.”
With a sigh, I drag my hands down my face and lean against the cool, smooth counter. “I don’t have a fucking clue what I’m doing. But I know this—she’s it for me. The family business, their damn rules, their chokehold on my life, they can all fuck right off. I never wanted it. I walked away. Made my choice. They have to get over it. Accept defeat.”
“I get it.” A shadow crosses her face, making her look sad. “I may have done something.”
“Please share.” Curiosity claws at me. This is the sister who has always done what our mother told her to do.
“I left Roan.” The first time, it’s a whisper. She inhales, steadies, then says it louder. “I left Roan. I can’t keep pretending I’m okay with all the crap he pulls. Won’t let him treat me—or the girls—like we’re servants. Fuck that shit. I’ve met someone else.”
I blink slowly, unsure I heard her correctly. “And the family? What do they think about this?”
“Mom refuses to admit it’s happening. Keeps telling Roan I’ll be back. The divorce will be finalized by the end of the month. Ian, the man I’m in the States with, he’s making sure no one tries to stop it, says he won’t allow it. He’s been a godsend. The girls adore him. I didn’t believe men like him were real. I assumed they were all like father and Uncle Horton.”
“You mean Daddy Horton, don’t you?” The words are out before I can stop myself. “Aren’t we supposed to call him that now?”
“That shit creeps me out. Mother’s got both of them by their balls. I can’t even imagine juggling two partners. One’s enough.” With a sharp shake of her head, Suze dismisses the thought. “Roan actually suggested a third. Said if I was unhappy with him it might make things better. And I know damn well who planted that idea in his head. Absolutely not.”
I try wrapping my head around what she’s saying, but don’t want to think too hard about it. If that’s what people choose, more power to them. But it’s not for me. And then there’s the memory of what I walked in on soon after my mother moved our uncle into our home. Some things a boy should never know. Never see. Never hear. But I saw it. My father, his half-brother, and my mother sharing a moment in the hot tub. Nope. Top of the list of things I wish I could erase from my mind.
“Mom wants you to come home.” Suze must need the focus off her and back on me. “I promised I’d at least speak with you. I’m doing it. Take it or leave it. However, the truth about yourgirlfriendwill eventually come out. The consequences are sure to be unpleasant. She still believes you’ll come to your senses and marry one of the chosen. She won’t let this go easily. Are you sure Ingrid can handle the drama?”
“I’ll handle Mother. I’m not ready for her to meet the family. We’re still in the early stages, and I’m trying to show her I’m worth the risk.” I shove a dumpling into my mouth. “You really have shitty timing.”
“Imagine my surprise, seeing you attempting to impress someone. You’ve always been adamant about dying a happy bachelor.” Suze steals a bite of my sweet and sour chicken. “Goes to show that when the right person comes along, it changes us. I hope this works out for you. Wait until I tell Lina and Juna. They’re going to freak out.”
I grunt. My other sisters are pains in my arse. Each one a little different from the other.
Lina doesn’t like to rock the boat. She married the man she was expected to. They seem happy. It happens, I guess. But she also moved to Australia and lives a very private life, far from the drama of the family. I’ve seen her the most, stopped in to visit when in the country.
