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“I don’t think your dad meant to marry any woman.”

“She said the same thing.” I’ve fucked up so badly. “I never meant to hurt her.”

His expression is unreadable as he finishes bandaging my hand.

“But you did,” he says bluntly. “What did you expect? Stringing her along while you play fiancé with Esther?”

I flinch at his words. He’s right.

“I didn’t know what else to do. Dad wanted me to settle down. Esther was convenient, and I thought I could keep Gemma on the side until...”

Until what, exactly?

“You’re a goddamn fool, cuz. Gemma’s not the type of girl you keep on standby.”

“You think I don’t know that?”

He holds up his hands in mock surrender, but his eyes are sharp, assessing. “So what now? You gonna keep up this charade with Esther while Gemma walks away?”

I grit my teeth, hating the truth in his words. The mere thought of Gemma leaving me or being with someone else fills me with rage.

One thing is sure. Esther needs to go.

“Bash will kill you.” Connor closes up the first aid kit.

“I know.” And I do. But I’ll do whatever it takes to win her back, to show her I’m the man she deserves. And if that means getting hurt, then so be it. Because the pain I’m feeling now is nothing compared to the pain I’ll feel if I lose her forever.

Even if I have to burn my whole goddamn world down first.

“If you’re so in love with her, why not make her your fiancé?”

I meet his eyes. “I asked her.”

“Really? You got down on one knee? Before or after she called you an asshole?”

I clench my fist.

“Or was it bastard? A more classy one? Prick?”

He’s right. God, I’m an arrogant prick, bastard, whatever...

“Fine. I didn’t do it properly at all.”

“Well, what are you going to do about it?”

“I don’t have a plan yet. But I will.”

“Talk to her. Tell her how you feel. Sweep her off her feet. And for fuck’s sake, end it with Esther.”

“Is that what you’re doing with Mary? Talking?”

“Why did you tell Mary about us being at the party that night?”

Shit, with everything going on with Gemma, I forgot about that. “Look, I know you’re pissed. But I was only trying to help… move things along between you two.”

“What are you talking about?” He glares at me.

“You’ve been circling each other for weeks now. It’s time you make a move before it’s too late.” I hold his gaze. I might not be good at my own problems, but he needed the push.

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