Page 116 of Claimed By The Other Brother

"This place is beautiful," Scarlett says, looking around.

"Marco owns it. We went to business school together."

"Of course you did."

The server returns with wine, and we order. Once we're alone again, I lean forward.

"I need to say something."

She tilts her head. "Okay."

"Miles is no good for you."

Her expression shifts, guarded.

"Dax—"

"I know it's not my place. But you need to hear it." I take a drink.

"He left you at the altar. And then he went to Florida and reconnected with his ex-girlfriend."

Her eyes widen. "How do you know that?"

"My mother told me. Today, actually. Apparently Miles spent two weeks with Christina while you were in Chicago picking up the pieces."

Scarlett's jaw tightens. "He told me he needed space to think."

"He needed space to fuck his ex." The words come out harsher than I intended, but I don't regret them.

"He's still calling you, isn't he?"

"Yes."

"Do you answer?"

"Sometimes."

"Why?"

She looks down at her wine glass.

"I don't know. Habit, maybe. Or guilt."

"You have nothing to feel guilty about."

"Don't I?" She meets my eyes.

"I slept with his brother."

"Afterhe abandoned you.Afterhe humiliated you. After he went to Florida and betrayed whatever trust was left."

The server arrives with our food, and we pause the conversation. Once he's gone, Scarlett picks up her fork but doesn't eat.

"Why do you care?" she asks quietly.

"Because you deserve better than him."

"And what do I deserve?"