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“No, Gabriel, this is not what either of us signed up for, and I’m not letting our relationship affect yours with your family.”
“Ignore them. It’s none of their business,” he says, but I shake my head before turning to the table.
“Gabriel and I are having a baby,” I say.
Elijah sinks back into his chair and sighs. “There I was, thinking you are the intelligent twin.”
A bang follows his words as Gabriel’s palm hits the table, making me jump.
“It’s not what you think,” I say, squaring up to Elijah.
“Gabriel and I have a professional agreement to have a child together. To co-parent.” My eyes turn to Francesca, who is staring at us wide-eyed. “I’m sorry we’ve misled you. We thought it would be easier for everyone if you thought we were in a real relationship before the baby was born. I promise I’m not after Gabriel’s money. That’s the last thing I want.”
“This is bullshit,” Caleb shouts, his gaze flipping between Gabriel and myself. “I’ve seen you together.”
“Wow, there I was thinking I was the only one who ever created drama around here,” Harper says. “Way to go bro, you’ve outdone even me.”
“Shut up, Harper,” Gabriel hisses.
I look down at Gabriel, his face a mask, although his eyes hold a sadness I don’t recognise.
“I apologise for ruining your birthday dinner,” I say to Francesca. “If you’ll excuse me. I think I’ll go for a walk.”
With that, I push back my chair and head for the exit.
“Leah.” Gabriel appears at my side, but I shake my head.
“Elijah is only trying to protect you. I get it.”
“No. Elijah is complicated. His life has warped his judgement. This has nothing to do with you.”
His tone is desperate.
“I need some space.” I give him what I know is a sad smile before I turn and head for the door.
CHAPTER 41
GABRIEL
Ire-enter the dining room, torn between letting Leah walk away and doing what she asked. I know by following her, I’ll only prolong the pain and make things worse. I also need to deal with my asshole of a brother.
Caleb sits back at the table, but his mind is elsewhere. Elijah’s expression is like thunder.
It’s my mother who speaks up. “Is Leah all right?”
“She’s fine, Mum. She’s gone for a walk in the garden.”
I watch the tension leave my mother’s shoulders. I was right when I told Leah my mother likes her. Somehow, that eases some of the pressure on my chest.
A palpable silence fills the room as Elijah and I face off against one another. At five years my senior, he is bigger in every way.
Years of swimming built his shoulders. Subsequent years of gym visits to work off whatever frustrations have overtaken his life have turned him into a man mountain.
“You are out of order,” I say, facing him.
“Why, for speaking the truth? Have you learned nothing?” he says, shaking his head at me.
“Learned what? Leah and I are nothing like you and Darra,” I spit. “You know nothing about us or our relationship.”
