Craving The Wrong Brother (Sloane and Knox) novel Chapter 160

Chapter 160

Ryan has been quiet since I dropped the news.

“Say something,” I say, my voice breaking slightly. But Ryan just stares at me, his jaw clenched, his face rigid. I know that look too well. It’s his bomb-ticking look, the one he wears when he’s moments away from an explosion.

“Julie,” Emily says. She glances at Ryan before going on, “I’m sure whoever you’ve chosen will be wonderful. After all, you found Ryan and kept him, so you must know how to make good choices in life.”

Her smile makes my fingers itch. I want to grab something-anything-and hurl it at her. My nails dig into my palms. Stay calm, I remind myself. If I react, Ryan will just assume I’ve lost my mind, and then where will I be? How would I fight for my marriage from an asylum?

“No,” Ryan says, catching me off guard.

“What?”

“The answer is no, Julie,” he says, cold and final.

I stare at him, not believing he just said that. “It wasn’t a request, Ryan. I was letting you know I’m exploring new options. So when you see me with someone else, you don’t ask unnecessary questions.”

His eyes narrow, and for the first time in a long while, I see anger in those green eyes. “Are you throwing my words back at me? Is that what this is? A game? You want to get me jealous by making up some boyfriend? Was that your grand plan?”

“Why would I want to get you jealous, Ryan?”

“Because that’s what you do, Julie.” His voice rises. “You’re a manipulator. Everything you say or do has a purpose. But this? This is crossing the line. You’re not getting a boyfriend, and that’s final!”

He slams his hand down on the table, sending a glass teetering over. Water splashes across Emily’s dress.

“Jesus Christ, Ryan!” Emily yells, standing up. “What has gotten into you?”

Ryan’s on his feet in a second, arms wrapping around her. His voice is soft and soothing as he apologizes into her hair. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry…”

I stare at the wet patch on the table, willing myself not to break, not to let a single tear fall. If I cry, he’ll think he’s won. And I won’t give him that satisfaction. I need to stay strong. Ryan’s not in his right mind-he’s not thinking clearly-and I can change him. I just need to push a little harder.

Emily disentangles herself from Ryan and sits back down, smoothing her dress. She clears her throat. “Forgive Ryan for the outburst, Julie. He gets overwhelmed by little things sometimes.” She smiles, that same condescending smile. “It’s nice that you want to explore. We all deserve happiness.”

Hier words make my skin crawl. A typical secretary, covering for her boss. I guess I’m the stranger in this marriage now.

Ryan drops back into his chair, his posture stiff but more composed than before. “You have me, Julie. I’m always here. What more happiness are you looking for?”

“Ryan,” Emily warns.

“No, Emily, stay out of this.” His voice is harsh now, and for a moment, I see the cracks in his composure. “Julie is my wife. You think I’m just going to let some random guy waltz into our lives and ‘hang out’ with her? What if he’s a con artist? Or worse, a kidnapper? You don’t know him! What if he’s just using her for her money?”

Emily doesn’t wait for him to finish. She stands up, turning on her heel and heading for the stairs.

Chapter 160

“Honey, where are you going?” Ryan asks, panicking as he chases after her.

“I’m taking my things and leaving,” she says without looking back.

“Why would you do that? Please, let’s talk about this.”

She pauses halfway up the stairs, turning just enough to throw a scathing look over her shoulder. “Because you don’t value. my opinions, Ryan. You never have. How can I stay with someone who refuses to listen to me?”

His voice is pleading now. “Emily, please. What do you want? Just tell me, and I’ll do it.”

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