Page 114 of My Ex's Brothers

“I’m not here to fight, Dane,” Dex says, twisting his lips. Lyla squirms in his arms, reaching for his neck, and it’s just the slightest movement. He doesn’t lean into her. He leans away. “I’m here to talk to Amelia,” he says.

“Over my dead body, Dexter,” Dane says, pushing me behind him.

Dex chuckles. “Oh, that’s cute. You think you have some sort of claim on my?—”

“Dex, don’t,” I say, holding up my hand.

“There’s my girl.” He grins. I see Betsy and Gary, tense behind Dex. Dane looks like he’s about ready to explode. “We need to talk, baby,” he says, and the tears come forth of their own volition.

“There’s nothing to talk about, Dex.” I step forward, reaching for Lyla. He shifts away from me. “Do not keep her from me!” I hiss as he regards me an angry look. “I am hermother.”

“Talk to me, Amelia,” he says. “Alone.” He points his gaze at Dane.

“Dexter…” Betsy’s voice cuts through.

“This is between me and Amelia, Mom.”

I’ve seen him like this before. He gets an idea in his head and everything else pales in comparison. No one can talk him out of whatever it is he’s decided he’s right about.

I used to ignore it. Smile and tell him okay just so I wouldn’t have to have the argument.

Suddenly it feels like we’re right back in Florida, only so much has changed. Lyla lays her head down on his shoulder.

He stares at me with those dark, soulless eyes I used to think were beautiful.

They’re the same ones Dane has, but Dane’s are warm. They house a heart, and Dexter Rose has no heart. That’s never been more clear.

“Fine,” I say, as Dane calls out my name. I sigh, closing my eyes before turning around and meeting his watery gaze. “Can you grab the car seat, please?” I ask, my heart in my throat.

Our gazes meet and the pain between us can be felt like a thick, suffocating fog.

“Yes, Dane, please grab the car seat formy daughter.” Dex’s voice is harsh, bitter. “Her mother and I have much to discuss,” he says as he heads for the door.

Betsy and Gary move forward as Dane all but runs out of the door.

“Dane…” I call after him, but he ignores me. I don’t miss the tension in his shoulders or the tears in his eyes.

He grabs the car seat from the back of his SUV as I meet up with Dex. Dex casts me a judgmental glare as he passes Lyla off to me and all but grabs the car seat from Dane.

“Thanks Dane,” he says, but there is no warmth or appreciation in his voice whatsoever.

I settle Lyla in her car seat because it’s all I can do.

“Get in the car, Amelia,” Dex says smoothly, and I do as he asks without question.

“Where are we going?” I ask, my voice shaky as he drives.

“Home, baby. Where else?”

When we getto Dex’s condo, my heart sinks. I feel like I’m in a daze. I can’t move from my seat.

“Come on,” he says.

But all I can say is “No.”

“What?” The bitterness in his voice is obvious.

“No. You’re going to say what you have to say to me right here, Dex.” I look up at him. It’s uncanny. Looking at him is like looking in a mirror and an alternate reality all at once.

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