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He throws a punch, his fist slamming into my cheek in a burst of pain.

I stumble back, catching myself against the window. If it were Novalie, I’d do the same.

“Okay, I deserved that one.” I spit blood on the marble floor.

“Did you have fun playing with my little sister?”

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Connor straighten up in his seat while Brandon pauses mid-bite to watch us.

“Bash, I—”

“You don’t get to call me that after what you did.” Sebastian advances, fist raised for another blow.

I catch his wrist moments before it can connect with my face again. “Listen to me for a second.”

“Listen?” Bash lets out a harsh laugh. “You screwed over my sister like the arrogant jackass you are.”

“Literally screwed.” Brandon munches on his food.

“Not helping, Bran,” I say.

Bash tries to pull away, but I keep my grip on his fist.

“You’re pissed, and you have every right to be. But beating the shit out of me isn’t going to fix this.”

“The hell it won’t,” Bash says.

Still, he doesn’t make another move to hit me. He could easily knee me or use his other hand. He’s holding back.

“I fucked up, okay? I hurt her, and I hate myself for it.” I meet his furious gaze. “But I care about your sister. More than I should.”

He scoffs. “Yeah, right. Is that why you’re engaged to another woman?”

I flinch. His words hit harder than his fist. “It’s not that simple.”

“Seems pretty damn simple to me,” Bash says.

“Esther, my engagement, it’s all for my father. You know I hate Esther. You know why I did it. You know me.”

How can I make him understand? Bash’s eyes narrow, but he stops straining against my hold.

“I tried to keep away from her. At first. But every time I see her, I... lose control.” I don’t have the right words to describe what Gemma makes me feel. Never been good talking about this emotional crap. “She’s incredible. Beautiful, passionate, so goddamn strong. I can’t stay away, no matter how hard I try.”

“So you’re okay with losing my little sister over that?”

“No.”

Bash’s jaw works. But he’s listening.

“I don’t deserve her forgiveness. But I’ll do anything so she does if she lets me.” My voice drops to a whisper. “I never felt this way.”

“And yet, you let her walk away while keeping Esther?”

“Yes, I fucked up. I know. I let not only Gem down but you, too. I’m sorry.”

I was so caught up in my own bullshit, my own selfish desires, that I didn’t even realize what I was doing.

His chest heaves, his other hand clenched into a fist.

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