Page 47 of Starts With a Bang

“And he’s thirty, for crying out loud,” Dom said. “And get off your high horse. Maybe you’ve forgotten about the way you treated me while playing house with Christian, but I have not. You don’t have a moral high ground to stand on.”

Emerson’s brow rose, and his lips curved into a devilish smile. I couldn’t figure out why he looked so pleased, but he didn’t wait long to enlighten me. “I’m glad you brought up our marriage, Dom. I’d hoped to have a private moment to talk to you and clear the air.”

Doubtful that was what he wanted to discuss, considering the heat in Emerson’s eyes when he saw his ex-husband last night. I could tell Dom wanted to refuse, but he was in a tough spot. If he resisted, he’d only encourage Emerson to think Dom was still hung up on him. And the very last thing I wanted was for this twat to think he intimidated me. I turned, rested my hand on Dom’s chest, and looked into his gorgeous green eyes. Dom looped his arms around my waist as naturally as if he’d been doing it for the past two years.

I went up on my tiptoes and kissed him. “I’ll meet you in the bathroom, and we can put our own spin on the everything shower.”

Dom kissed me before he released his hold. “I won’t be long.”

I met Emerson’s cocky gaze and sneer with a dismissive glance and smirk. This guy was no threat to me and the future I was building with Dom. I had no reservations about leaving them alone, but I found Christian waiting around the corner in the hallway. Was everyone in the house awake? I could tell by the haunted expression in Christian’s gaze that he’d heard at least the last part of our exchange with Emerson. I wanted to tell him it would be okay, but the conversation from the kitchen drifted to us before I could open my mouth.

“Dom, I think I made a mistake.”

Emerson’s voice had lost the sharp edge that he’d used on me. Dom’s cousin staggered back like he’d taken a knife to the heart. He braced an arm against the wall for support. And I’d be lying if I said my bravado held firm. I’d been down this road too many times before. But this was Dom. He was an honest and good man. He’d told me he was ready to turn the page on his marriage to Emerson, and I’d believed him. I would not stand nearby and dishonor him by eavesdropping on his conversation with his ex-husband. And Christian shouldn’t either.

“I don’t think you should stand out here and listen,” I whispered.

Christian swallowed hard. “I have to know the truth, and I won’t get it from Emerson directly.”

I patted Christian’s arm and smiled sadly. “Honey, you’ve already heard everything you need to know.”

I stepped away and walked back to the bedroom I shared with Dom. The conversation with Emerson might take longer than Dom planned, so I didn’t want to start the shower yet. I sat on the rumpled bed that smelled like Dom and me. Determination coursed through my body—hot and fierce. I’d met a man worth fighting for, and I would stop at nothing to claim Dom as mine.

Dom

Iwatched as Sven exited the room with his head held high, taking all the warmth and color with him. Knowing his history of dating losers who went back to their exes, I couldn’t help but worry about where his thoughts might take him. Sven had held my gaze with unwavering confidence seconds ago as he issued an invitation to join him in the shower after this unwanted chat. But had that all been for show? I knew damn well how swiftly insecurities could crop up and wreak havoc. I didn’t want Sven to doubt me, not even for a second.

“Are you even paying attention?” Emerson’s voice was closer. Too close. I snapped my head back in the direction he’d been standing, only to find he’d moved within touching distance. Heraked his gaze over my bare chest and down to my sweatpants, making no effort to hide his interest.

I crossed my arms over my chest and screwed my expression into something that hopefully gave off closed-for-business vibes. Even if I’d only faked my feelings for Sven, and I hadn’t, I had zero interest in hearing the bullshit that was sure to follow. I knew exactly what mistake Emerson was about to confess to, and there wasn’t the first stirring of emotion in my chest. Not a single heartstring moved. But that hadn’t always been the case. For months after our separation, I’d fantasized about Emerson coming to his senses and begging for me to take him back. It didn’t take me long to realize that yearning had more to do with my pride than a tremendous loss of love. Our marriage had been over before Emerson sank his claws into Christian, but I had been too dumb to recognize it.

My posture and my expression must’ve gotten my mood across because Emerson swallowed hard and eased back a few steps. It was best not to leave things up for interpretation, however. “Honestly?” I asked. “No, I wasn’t paying attention to you. I’ve already dismissed whatever it is you’re about to say and climbed into the shower with Sven. You might as well spit it out, Emerson. What mistake do youthinkyou made?”

The emphasis hadn’t been an accident on Emerson’s part. He was always hedging his bets. When this conversation didn’t work out the way he’d intended, he would crawl back into Christian’s bed and ensure his position in my cousin’s life was secure. Knowing that didn’t affect me the way I thought it would. I felt sorry for Christian, even after what he did to me. But Sven was his cross to bear now.

Emerson huffed. “You’re not going to make this easy, are you?”

“Sven is waiting, remember?”

My ex-husband vibrated with anger at the mention of Sven’s name. Bet I would’ve heard his teeth rattling if not for his tightly clenched jaw. Emerson took a steadying breath and relaxed his face. “I’m not buying this relationship farce you’re trying to sell your family. Sure, you’re horny for the guy, and who wouldn’t be? Everything about his physical appearance is designed to arouse. And that song and dance about making women feel better about themselves. Volunteering to take care of seniors. Yada yada yada.” Emerson rolled his eyes. “He’s a con artist and will show his true colors soon.”

“You mean like fuck around with my cousin behind my back?” I asked. “Oh, wait.Youdid that while married to me. Sven is nothing like you. What you see is what you get. And the things you can’t see, like his heart and soul, are even more beautiful than his face. My feelings for him are very real.”

“I didn’t have a physical relationship with Christian until after you moved out,” Emerson said. “I’ve told you this repeatedly, but you don’t listen.”

“An emotional affair is still cheating.” And I wasn’t sure I believed his claim—then or now.

“And it was a mistake,” Emerson replied. “I already said that.”

Not in so many words, but I wasn’t about to split hairs when I wanted to end our conversation and get back to Sven. “I regret the way our marriage ended,” I said. Emerson’s eyes widened, and his lips curved into a wicked smile. I let him sense a victory for a millisecond longer before I dashed his insincere hopes. “But I am glad it’s over. I don’t love you, and I haven’t for quite some time. The horrible way you treated me was a blow to my pride. Christian is the one who broke my heart, but that’s for us to work out.” Though I didn’t see how that was possible if Emerson was going to be in the picture.

Fire flashed in Emerson’s eyes, and his face turned a vibrant shade of pink. “You don’t mean that.”

“I’ve never meant anything more.” I unfolded my arms and sidestepped him. “There’s nothing else to say to you, so if you’ll excuse me, I have plans for this morning.”

Spotting Sven’s open suitcase on the bed nearly gave me a heart attack. Was he leaving? Had he assumed I was just another asshole who couldn’t see what a gem he was? Then I noticed the open closet and dresser drawers. We hadn’t taken the time to unpack yet, which meant—

Sven stepped out of the closet with both hands on his hips. “It’s not happening.”

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