Page 72 of Ruin

Sometimes, I hate that he knows me so well.

It makes everything so much harder.

I’ve been trying to process what he told me. That he never cheated on me. That he’s still in love with me.

Truthfully, I don’t know what to do with it.

He hasn’t said any more about it since that night, and I’m glad for that because it’s not something I want to face right now.

I love Zeus. I always have. He’s Gigi’s father. I’m always going to feel something for him. And, of course, I’m attracted to him. It’s Zeus, for God’s sake. The man is the walking epitome of sex.

But I don’t trust him.

I trust him one hundred percent with Gigi. I know he’d protect her with his life.

I don’t trust him with my feelings.

I’ve been hurt by Zeus Kincaid once before. I’m not looking for a repeat performance.

And, honestly, I’m starting to wonder if my parting words that night resonated with him. That he doesn’t love me the way he thinks because he’s never fought to be with me.

And, if that is the case…well, I don’t know how I feel about that either.

God, aren’t I just a mixed bag of emotions right now?

And it’s all because of that man who’s currently sitting in my living room.

But today is about Gigi. She’s my main priority. My only priority.

“Gigi still in the living room with Zeus?” I ask Aunt Elle, who’s started helping me wrap the plates of sandwiches.

But, before she can answer, the doorbell rings. There’s an excited squeal from the living room and then the sound of Gigi and Zeus heading toward the front door.

“Guess that’s them.” I smooth my hands down my dress. I thought I’d make an effort, so I put on my nicest day dress—a white floral maxi.

“Showtime, kid.” Aunt Elle winks at me and grins.

I head out of the kitchen and into the hallway. The front door is open, Gigi standing there with Zeus, and on our porch stands Ares, Lo, and Missy. They’re all smiling down at my girl.

It’s been five years since I’ve seen them.

Ares looks the same, just older. He’s always been big, like Zeus. They’re both similar but different, too. They have the same eyes. All of them have those striking blue eyes, which must have come from their mom, as Brett’s eyes aren’t like that. But where Zeus’s hair has always been short, Ares keeps his long. Still is. It’s tied back into one of those man buns, and he’s wearing a lot of scruff on his face.

Lo was sixteen the last time I saw him. He was tall then, but now, he’s twenty-one and standing as tall as Zeus, just not as muscular. More athletic-looking.

And Missy is stunning. She was a pretty girl when she was a kid, but she’s grown into a beautiful young woman. Tall, like her brothers, she’s around my height, and looking at her now, I can see some of Gigi in her, or vice versa.

Zeus picks Gigi up, so she’s at eye-level with them. And I hang back with Aunt Elle at a safe distance, watching them.

“Gigi, this is your uncle Ares,” Zeus indicates.

“Hey, Gigi.” Ares smiles at her. “It’s good to finally meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you from your daddy.”

“Daddy told me you pway fwootball,” she says.

“You like football?” he asks her.

“S’okay, I guess. But I wikes to dance.”