Page 13 of Owen (Storm Enterprises)

His fists bunch beside him, as if itching for a fight, and I get it. His little sister just announced to the world she’s pregnant and married.

Fucking pregnant. Jesus.

Rein it in, Owen, rein it fucking in.

“No.” I stare back at him.

“Then why’d you react like that?” He points toward the house, his face twisting.

I wait a moment before replying and school my features, giving myself time to think of the best response I can give him while throwing him off the scent. “I’m pissed. She’s knocked up and married, and we haven’t even met the guy yet. Aren’t you?”

“Yes, of course I’m pissed,” he snaps.

Just what the fuck is she playing at? Getting married to someone else? And pregnant? “Makes me wonder what she’s hiding. She never brought him to meet you all. Right?”

Tate pauses, and I can see his mind whirling with the questions I just fed him.

He drags a hand over his jaw. “I want to know everything there is to know about him, Owen.” And there we have it. He’sgiven me full permission to dig a little deeper into his sister’s private life. Like he could have stopped me anyway.

“You’ll have it. You’ll know everything there is to know about him.” I can’t hide the venom in my tone. I will leave no stone unturned about the little prick. Then I’m taking her back, taking them both back.

One way or another, I’ll make them mine.

Tate sighs, knowing I have the contacts to make shit happen. Hell, I could find out what the prick last ate if I wanted to.

He stares at me blankly, and sweat gathers on my forehead.

It’s as if he can read every damn thought and feeling I’ve ever had regarding Laya, and I hate it. “I’m pleased there’s nothing between you and my sister, Owen. Because you don’t fucking deserve her.” He spins and heads toward the door, sending a familiar churning in my stomach.

“I know,” I mutter as I stare at him retreating. “I know,” I repeat, as if convincing myself I’m not good enough and every move I made was to cement that for her.

THREE

LAYA

I’ve spent the last hour explaining to my parents everything they need to know about my relationship and pregnancy. As much as I wish Carlos could have been here with me, I am relieved he isn’t. My mom didn’t mention that the guys would be here too, but she did say, “Family dinner,” so I should have known better. They’re all family.

My father excused himself to make some business calls, and now my mom sits beside me, resting her hand on my knee. “Are you happy, honey?” Her question jars me, and concern lies in her question, but I shake it off.

“Yes. I’m happy,” I snap back, then feel guilty at the way her face falls. “I’m sorry. It was a big thing for me to face everyone.”

“And Carlos couldn’t make it?” The question isn’t accusing, but my defenses are up, nonetheless.

“No, he’s away on business.” I keep my answer short because I don’t want the questions, the probing, and the undue concernregarding his business. Something I’m not entirely comfortable with myself but have little choice in.

My mom watches me, as if looking for a sign of uncertainty, something she won’t find. Then she blows out a deep breath. “Well, I’m excited for you, honey. Where are you planning on giving birth? I’ll make sure I’m on hand around your due date.”

My shoulders fall. I want that more than anything, but in all honesty, I don’t know where we will be. Carlos keeps his plans close to his chest and never divulges too much. It makes me angsty, but I have no say in it.

I bite into my lip. “I’m not sure.”

She tilts her head, again with the fucking analyzing. Then she pats my knee. “Let me know when you figure it out, and I’ll be there.”

Then she stands and brushes the invisible lint off her skirt. “Owen’s outside. You haven’t seen him for a while. It would be nice if you went out and said hi.”

My gaze flicks to Owen’s back, his T-shirt pulls tight across it, and those familiar butterflies begin to flutter, and I hate it. I hate the reaction I have to him; I’d hoped I was past all this, but one look toward him and I’m a love-struck teenager again.

The baby kicks and the harsh reminder of my reality returns. This baby is my future, and Carlos is a good man who loves me enough for the both of us. I’m determined to have the family I always dreamed of. My parents are incredible, but not knowing my blood parents has sometimes been crippling in my upbringing. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to make sure my children have the best home life they can have, with two parents who love them more than anything, and Carlos loves us. There’s no doubt in my mind about that.

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