"You'll regret it."
"Maybe.But it'll still be better than the prison you built for me."
Ethan stares at me for another long moment, and I can see him realizing that he's lost.That all his manipulation and threats and attempts to make me doubt myself have failed.
"This isn't over," he says finally, but there's defeat in his voice now.
"Yes," I say quietly."It is."
He straightens, his mask of civilized concern slipping to reveal something ugly underneath.
"This isn't over, Evangeline.Not by a long shot."
Then he's gone, striding out of the clubhouse like he owns the place, Hades following him, making sure that he leaves.Now I’m standing alone in the middle of my brother's memorial service.
But I don't feel alone.
I feel free.
"You okay?"a voice asks, and I turn to find Tempest watching me with concerned eyes.
"Yeah.I think I am."
"Good.Because those kids need you to be okay."
He's right.The children are my priority now.Everything else, every confused feeling and inappropriate attraction and moment of weakness, has to take a backseat to giving them the stability they need.
But even as I tell myself that, my eyes find Hades across the room.He's sitting on the floor now, all five kids arranged around him in a loose circle while he shows them something on his phone.Probably pictures of the house he mentioned, or maybe just cat videos to make them smile.
Either way, the sight of him surrounded by children who already love him makes my chest tight with longing.
I shouldn't want this.I shouldn't be imagining what it would be like to build a life with him, to wake up every morning in a house full of laughter and chaos and love.
I shouldn't be picturing him holding our babies, teaching our children to ride bikes and stand up to bullies and believe in themselves.
But I am.
The guilt coils low in my stomach like I’ve just lied to a priest.
"He's good for them," Tempest says quietly, following my gaze.
"Yes.He is."
"Good for you too, I think."
The observation makes my cheeks burn."I don't know what you mean."
Tempest's smile is knowing but not unkind."Sure you don't."
Before I can figure out how to respond, Lily breaks away from the group and runs over to me.
"Aunt Evie!Uncle Hades says we can go see the house tomorrow.He says it has a big backyard and a swing set!"
"Does he?"
"And he says I can have the room with the window seat, because little princesses need special places to read their books."
My heart clenches at the thoughtfulness of it.Of course he would remember that Lily loves to read.Of course he would think about what each child needs to feel special and valued.
