Page 110 of Beautiful Scar

“Don’t try to change the subject.” I sit back, crossing my arms. “What’s your problem?”

He studies me for a long moment. His expression goes from annoyed to slightly amused, and finally, he shakes his head.

“Honestly? I don’t know anymore.”

“Explain, please.”

He gestures at me, waving a hand up and down. “You’re different, Dash. You know that, right?”

“No kidding. I’m pregnant, bloated, puking half the day, and exhausted constantly.”

“That’s not what I mean.” His smile is gentle as he glances toward the kitchen. “I came here expecting to hate that guy. You know, the stranger that stole you away from everything you’veever known? I’ve heard things about Tigran, and none of them have been good.”

“Rumors,” I say with distaste.

“Yeah, some, but more of those stories are true. I figured I’d come here and find some abusive, controlling, vicious psychopath treating my sister like dirt.” He looks back at me and lets out a breath. “Instead, you’ve got the most feared man in all of Baltimore doing your dishes.”

I snort, glancing at the kitchen. I hadn’t thought about it that way. I know Tigran’s got a reputation, and it’s probably deserved, but to me, he’s just… my husband.

He’s the man I fall asleep with. The man I wake up with. The man who makes me laugh and puts fire in my belly.

Without him, I’d still be that weak, scared little girl, terrified of her own shadow.

“We work together,” I say, not sure how else to explain it. “I don’t think either of us thought we’d end up like this.”

“He pulls out your chair. He brings you your pills. He takes care of you, doesn’t he?”

I nod, warmth filling my heart. “Absolutely.”

“You look at him like the sun shines out of his arrogant smile.”

“He’s not arrogant,” I say, glaring at my brother.

“You love him, don’t you?”

I open my mouth to tell him off, but nothing comes out. Because do I love him? Is this what love feels like?

I haven’t wanted to investigate these emotions too closely. My relationship with Tigran snuck up on me, slowly, one day at a time, until now I find myself deeply entangled with him. A part of me is afraid that, like a shadow, a little light will banish it.

“I think I do,” I admit very quietly. Even though I’ve finally admitted it out loud, nothing changes. The heavens don’t move, the earth doesn’t shift beneath my feet.

If anything, I feel more solid.

“I can see why. That man dotes on you. I may not approve of him, but—” He takes another long drink, looking reluctant. “He’s clearly a good husband.”

“So why do you keep acting like a bastard?”

“I guess I’ve been testing him. You know, pushing his limits? Seeing if I can make the monster show up. But no matter how much I poke and prod, he keeps himself under control, especially when you’re around. It’s admirable, honestly. I respect him for it.”

I laugh at the sheer audacity. My brother’s a lot of things, like charming and conceited and sometimes even funny, but I never pictured him as brave and protective. Apparently, I got him all wrong.

“Okay, I’m glad my husband passed your weird little hazing ritual, but can you please cut it out? I’m tired of the fights.”

“I really do need to give my men something to do,” he says, then makes a surrender gesture with both hands. “But I’ll back off. For now, anyway.”

“Thank you.” Relief floods me. This tension has been such a pain, and it’ll be nice if they could get along for the remainder of Evan’s trip here.

“One more thing, though.” He leans in closer. “Have you told him yet?”

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