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“It’s nothing”

“It is”

She turned to the sink, looking out of theat the yard Everything looked norrew, flowers blooarden They didn’t have to have a complicated life

“He’s different,” she said “He doesn’t coiven a free pass because of his DNA Me, Owen, and Wyatt, we don’t get that We don’t get to have a second chance Our life is linked to that of being a Colton, and I hate it” She grabbed a towel, drying her hands “Can I go home?”

“No I’ve already called your brothers

They know you’re staying here with us”

“I don’t get a say in this?”

“No There’s a room made up for you I’ll take you—”

“No, that’s fine I kno to find ht?” Shenot to touch him as she left the kitchen Whatever she said must have worked because he didn’t try to follow her, which was more than fine with her She just needed space away from him

Leaving the kitchen, she rounded the corner, and there stood Gabriel Her big brother The man who, as far as she was concerned, had abandoned her He’d moved on

“What are you waiting for? Are you listening to our conversation when you have no right to?” She felt anger and rage craithin her She didn’t like Gabriel being this close to her

“I’e that”

“Last ti a Denton I don’t need a babysitter, and I don’t want one” Brushing past hi the door, she leaned back against it, taking a deep breath “Calm down, Emma, calm”

Everything see so fast, and she couldn’t focus at all Oneher that he believed she belonged to him When did her life become so complicated?

Seconds passed, ot up, went to the bathroom, stripped down, and had a shower She had to clear her head, and it was the only thing she could think to do