Page 72 of Forbidden Bond

“It’s alright. I just find it interesting that he doesn’t seem to be aware of this little situation.”

Topher places a hand on my shoulder. “The situation’s fairly new, Chris. Lay off.”

“So you’re going to keep it hidden?” he asks dryly. “For how long? He’ll find out eventually. I’m actually curious about who she’ll pick. It’s not easy to turn away from family.”

My jaw clenches as I look down at Daniel’s chubby baby cheeks.

“I won’t turn away from my family,” I say determinedly.

“That’s admirable. But eventually, you’re going to have to choose. Deep down, you know it, too.”

I glare at him. He doesn’t have to be such a jerk. I was so happy before he walked in here with his blunt remarks.

“Christian,” Topher says through gritted teeth.

He smiles. “What? I might as well prepare you guys for it. For what it’s worth, though, I sympathize with you. It won’t be an easy choice to make.”

He grabs his phone, seemingly done with the conversation. Topher gives me a tired look before moving to sit beside his brother. We watch the show silently for a few minutes before Topher asks Christian something quietly.

“Any news on Stacey?”

I have no idea who Stacey is, but Christian’s jaw goes tight. “I would tell you if there was, Toph.”

He nods. “Alright.”

Daniella returns and the tension dissipates. She sits next to her husband and we spend the rest of the evening together. I never would have thought I would find peace with the D’Angelos. I think about what Christian said about me having to choose.

Even thinking about it feels like a betrayal. But one evening with them made me see them for who they are. Even Christian isn’t the monster I always thought he was. I realize that a life with Topher would be amazing but how would that ever work? I can feel him tugging on every part of my being but what about my family? I doubt I could ever turn my back on them.

CHAPTER 22

Topher

I feel the shift in the air as soon as Christian and Daniella leave. Katherine’s still seated on the couch, but there’s a far-off expression on her face that eats at me. I take a seat beside her and throw my arm over her shoulder. She tries to push me off but I don’t budge.

“What’s with the frown on that beautiful face?” I ask softly.

She rolls her eyes, although her cheeks redden a little. “Nothing,” she mumbles.

“Liar. You’re thinking about what Chris said. It’s bothering you.”

“He made some solid points,” she says quietly.

I turn her so she’s facing me, “Christian’s an ass. Don’t let whatever he said get to you.”

“You know we still need to have a conversation, right? We can’t just pretend our problems away.”

I sigh and lean on her shoulder. “Why can’t we?”

“Topher…”

“Alright, fine,” I state, looking up. “Obviously, we need to keep our relationship a secret, especially considering how bad things are right now.”

“Bad? Something’s going on, isn’t it? A few weeks ago when I talked to your brothers at the casino, I overheard them talking about finding someone. And then today you mentioned Stacey. Who is she? What’s going on?”

I consider the implications of telling her the truth. There’s a slight possibility hearing about what happened to Stacey might trigger some of her traumatic memories. But looking at the expectant expression on her face, I know I can’t keep it from her.

“Stacey’s a friend of the family,” I say slowly. “She went missing a couple of weeks ago. We haven’t heard anything since.”

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