Page 65 of My Ex's Billionaire Brothers

I give him a nod, and in the corner of my eyes, I see her.

Anya stands on the porch, hands pressed to her mouth, eyes big as moons. She heard “knocked out” and gasped like she took the blow herself. She retreats up the stairs.

Gage moves to follow, but I stop him. “I’ve got this.”

Brother hierarchy respects bruised warriors. He squeezes my shoulder—a silent,Thanks for the assist, don’t die.“Mr. Markoff, any vodka in the house?”

“I am insulted you had to ask. Follow me.” The pair part for the kitchen.

I stagger for a moment, using the doorframe for balance. Theo sees it. “You good? For real?”

“I’m fine. It’ll fade.”

“Stubborn.”

I huff a laugh. “I am what I am.”

“You start throwing up, we go to the hospital.”

“Deal.”

“Not a deal,” he says, fully serious. “I’m telling you how it is. I don’t like this. Not any of it. You could have been killed.”

I clap his shoulder. “I know you’re a professional worrier, but trust me, okay?”

He sighs, but lets me pass. Once on the stairs, I climb, slower now, each step a hammer on my skull. Anya’s door is ajar. Inside, she’s pacing, hands tangling at her throat.

She whirls when I enter. “Hunter, you—blood—oh God, this is all my fault!” She rushes forward, tries dabbing my temple with a pink pillowcase. Tears drop onto my chest.

“It’s Calvin’s fault,” I say, gently taking her wrists. “Cal’s a walking cautionary tale.”

“I ruin everything,” she hiccups. “Calvin hurt you. Mom’s terrified. Dad had his gun out. And you three—you’re fighting your own family because of me.” It’s like her strength gives out. Her body just falls onto the edge of the bed.

I sink beside her, head spinning more slowly now. “We fought with Calvin long before you, Anya. This is just the latest excuse. He was never good at sharing his toys.”

She sniffles into my T-shirt when I pull her close. “You make a joke even now.”

“Defense mechanism.” I stroke her hair. “But seriously, if Calvin never talks to me again, that’s a winning lottery ticket.”

She lets out a ragged giggle that turns to fresh tears. “Your head is bleeding…I’m so sorry.”

“It’s just a flesh wound.” Dizziness tilts the room, but I stay rooted, taking in the sights. Candy pink in all directions, dolls staring blankly at us…this place is a bit much. But none of that is what’s got me freaked out. “More worrisome is that packed suitcase, kitten. You wanna tell me what that’s about?”

“I thought if I left, I’d save everyone from more rumors.” She sniffles and laughs bitterly to herself. “Great plan, right?”

She’s leaving? No. Not after all this. I clear my throat. “See? I’m not the only one who jokes at the wrong time.”

“I’m sorry.” She glances away. “I don’t know what I’m doing anymore.”

“Well, I sent a rideshare away. The guy asked for you, so I’m guessing this is what that was about.”

She nods as tears fall. “I’m poisonous, Hunter. I wanted to save all of you from me.”

“Pretty? Definitely. Passionate? Without question. But poisonous?” I shake my head, making the room spin. “Not even close.”

“I don’t know what comes next. I don’t…I’m not sure how to say…” She laughs at herself, wiping her eyes. “I sound like an idiot.”

“Trust me, you get used to it.”