Ethan clears his throat behind her."We need to discuss the custody arrangements," he says, his tone measured but firm."Obviously, this is a difficult situation for everyone."
I can feel the tension radiating from Evangeline, and when I look at her face, I see something that makes my gut clench.Fear, but not of me.
"Ethan thinks Hades should take full custody," Evangeline says quietly, her voice strained."He believes it would be...simpler."
Simpler for who?I study Ethan's face, noting the way his hand rests possessively on Evangeline's lower back, the subtle pressure he's applying.
"That's not what Marcus and Calla wanted," I say carefully."They named both of us as guardians for a reason."
"Yes, but let's be realistic," Ethan says, his smile not reaching his eyes."Evangeline and I are planning a wedding, starting our own family soon.Five children would be...overwhelming.Your sister was their mother.They’ll need you more."
Bullshit.This isn't about what's best for the kids.This is about control.About isolating Evangeline from anything that might tie her to a life outside of his influence.
"I want them," Evangeline says suddenly, her voice stronger now."These children...they're family.Marcus was my brother.I'm not abandoning them."
Ethan's jaw tightens."Darling, we've discussed this.Five children are a lot of responsibility.You have your charity work, our social obligations, and frankly, your grief is making you emotional.You're not thinking clearly."
The condescending bastard.I watch Evangeline's face pale; see the way she shrinks slightly under his words.This is what he does to her.He makes her doubt herself, makes her smaller.
"Evangeline's not emotional," I say, my voice deadly quiet."She's grieving her brother and thinking about what's right for his children.There's a difference."
Ethan's eyes flash with irritation."I don't think an outsider's opinion is needed here."
"Outsider?"I snarl.The little girl in my arms has gone still, sensing the adult tension.I adjust my hold on her, keeping my voice calm despite the rage building in my chest."I'm their uncle, and according to legal documents, I'm their guardian.Same as Evangeline."
"Legal documents that can be challenged," Ethan says smoothly."Given your...lifestyle choices and criminal associations."
"Ethan, stop."Evangeline's voice cuts like glass."Don't you dare talk about Hades like that.He's a good man."
The fierce protection in her voice hits me like a punch to the gut.After everything, after choosing another man, she's still defending me.
"Evangeline," Ethan says, his tone shifting to something softer, more manipulative."I know you care about him, but think about our future.Think about the family we're going to build.Do you really think we can build a life together while you’re tied down with five kids?Do you think you can deal with all the baggage?"
Baggage.He called these kids baggage.
I take a step forward, and this time it's Tempest who puts a warning hand on my arm.The room has gone dead silent except for the soft sniffling of the children.
"They're not baggage," I say, my voice so low it's barely audible."They're children who just lost their parents."
"Of course," Ethan says quickly, realizing his mistake."I misspoke.I just meant that Evangeline isn't equipped to handle this kind of...situation.You have more experience with difficult circumstances."
More manipulation.Making it sound like he's thinking of what's best for everyone when really he just wants these kids as far away from his perfect life as possible.
"Marcus and Calla chose both of us," Evangeline says firmly, and I hear the steel in her voice that I've always admired."They wanted their children to have both of us in their lives.I won't abandon that responsibility."
Ethan's mask slips for just a moment, and I see the flash of anger in his eyes.He doesn't like being challenged, especially not in front of witnesses.
"We'll discuss this later," he says to Evangeline, his tone carrying an undercurrent of warning that makes my blood boil.
"No," she says, lifting her chin."We'll discuss it now.These children need stability, and they need family.I'm not walking away from them."
For a moment, her eyes meet mine across the room, and I see something that makes my heart pound.Determination.Strength.The same fire that drew me to her from the beginning.
And underneath that, barely hidden, is the same forbidden heat that's been burning between us for years.
“We’ll figure something out,” I tell her, cutting through the silence.
"Yes," she says quietly."Together."
