Page 73 of Stella

“Dad is convinced she’s scheming.” I glared at Evan before he could retort. “I told him off, of course.”

“Of course.” Stella watched me. “Did you tell him this is a fling? No need to worry about his perfect son’s virtue?”

Now Jerrick looked at her with a wounded expression.

“A fling?” I raised my eyebrows. “That’s what this is to you? An easy way to pass the time?”

Stella snorted. “Nothing about constantly being accused of being a gold digger is easy, trust me.”

I stood up. “Can I? Can I really trust you?”

Stella blinked, staring.

I willed Stella to say something, anything to ease the panic in my chest. The panic that I was failing all over again. The panic that I was letting a beautiful omega twist me to her tune again.

“Alright you two, calm down.” Jerrick looked between us. “You’re both upset and lashing out.”

“I’d rather know what he was thinking.” Stella gave me a defiant glare. “You would feel safer if I signed some sort of prenup? Proof once and for all I’m not a scheming harpy?”

I frowned, trying to sort through the jumble of feelings. “You were quick to say no. If you have nothing to worry about, it shouldn’t be a concern.”

“No, Simon.” Evan sighed. “She shouldn’t have to prove anything.”

“You’re only saying that because she likes you this time.” I shook my head. “Ava only liked me, and I still let that cloud my judgment.”

With horror I realized now that it wasn’t only my heart on the line, but Evan’s and Jerrick’s as well. When I bonded them, I promised I would protect them.

I’d already failed them once. I wouldn’t let it happen again.

I looked at Stella, the woman who held more of my heart than I was comfortable with. Like a thief in the night, she’d snuck in and made room for herself.

“Prove you’re not here for the money or connections. Your business is certainly flourishing now that I’m here. Sign a prenup, and I’ll know your feelings are real.”

Stella flinched like she been slapped, the color leeching away from her face.

Evan sucked in a breath. “No, Simon. This is not the way.”

Stella shook her head. “It wouldn’t matter. You’ve been convinced since the moment we met that I had other plans. Nothing I do or say will convince you otherwise.”

“So that’s a no.” A voice in my head blared, demanded that I comfort my omega. She was hurting, and I was the cause, something that was unbearable.

I couldn’t trust that voice. I couldn’t trust myself.

“Get out.” Stella pointed at the door. “All of you, leave.”

“Stella.” Jerrick frowned. “We care about you.”

Stella shook her head. “It’s clearly not enough.”

Flinching, Jerrick stood up.

Evan looked between me and Stella, angry and hurt in turns. “Let’s talk about this.”

The pretty omega’s face was carved from stone. I’d expected tears, and shouting but instead all I saw was a cold mask.

“Get out.”

We left Stella’s cottage. Evan glared at me, and then took off in his own car with Jerrick. He didn’t have to tell me he was pissed and wouldn’t be home tonight.

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