Ex-Husband's Regret

Gabe.

I sped away from my apartment building with no idea where the hell I was going. I just knew that I needed to be away from them. I needed the distance. I needed to think and pull myself together. I can't do that when I'm around both of them.

My mind is racing. I can barely think straight, and it's been driving me crazy the entire time.

When I found out about Lilly, I didn't really think much about her being my kid. She was just another being that existed. Just a stranger that was related to me. Seeing her and interacting with her brought home the fact that she indeed was my kid.

Her eyes were a dead giveaway, but her mannerism surprised me even more. I thought that I wouldn't be able to find someone so similar to me and my brother, but I was dead wrong. Lilly reminded me so much of myself that it was uncanny. I couldn't fucking believe it.

Harper tried to sush her so many times, but Lilly is a Wood through and through. She had to learn that there was just no way you could shut us up. If we want to say what's on our mind, we damn well will, everybody be damned.

"Siri, call Rowan," I said into the space.

"Calling Rowan," the handset replied.

I need my brother right now. Maybe he could shed some light on what I was supposed to do. I was out of my element here, and it was scaring the crap out of me.

I'm usually one to think things through, but with this one, I didn't. I admit that I was fucking desperate when I went looking for Harper and Lilly. I was focused on saving what I'd worked for all these years. Not once did I consider what it would be like once I got them here with me.

Harper I could deal with. I've done it before. I know how to control her, even if something deep inside me tells me that she isn't the same girl she used to be. Lilly, on the other hand, is different. I had no idea what to do with her or how to handle her.

Rowan's rough voice

"Can we meet up?"

a week ago. I know that I'll have to tell him the truth, but I don't

and when?" he

brother. They can sense when you need them and when you're not

right now," I answered. "I'm about

there

ends and I focus

I'd anticipated. My mind goes back to how she asked her questions confidently. How she knew prices of things children her age didn't. Even the way she spoke and how she carried

about anyone but my fucking self. Now, though, I know Harper won't let me

hand, won't allow herself to be ignored or pushed aside. She'll demand more from me, especially when she finds out that I'm

parked my car in the reserved parking area. This is one of the many

me, trying to get free entry into the club. My bodyguards slightly bowed to me before allowing me to pass

section and as soon as I am seated, a waiter comes rushing to take

get you?" His voice was

realize that he was new. That explained why he was nervous. He looked like he would pee

"Whiskey, neat"

leaves, seeming relieved to be away from