All In (Keep Breathing Book 2), стр. 82

"What the hell, Landon?” I bark, pushing my chair back.

“It’s just a question.”

“Lan, what is going on with you?” Maria bops him. “You’re being a bit of a jerk.”

“I’m just being curious to know how well she knows Liam.”

Holly squeezes my knee. “It’s a funny thing because Liam just asked me the same thing about a picture of you two in the den."

"He did? See bro, you’re just as curious as I am. Twin thing. Chill."

"Yeah…and especially now after meeting you I know I would be able to." She places her hand on my cheek and looks at me adoringly.

Yet, at the same time, she has no clue. She really thinks me and him are the fucking same.

“Landon, can I talk to you?” I push back my chair, letting it scrape harshly against the hardwood.

“Sure Liam, I’d be happy to,” he bites out sarcastically.

He follows behind me as we exit the dining room. When we’re out of sight, I grab Landon by his collar, yank him into the den, and harshly close the door with my foot.

“Fuck man, settle.”

“You’re telling me to settle? What the hell is with you tonight? Are you trying to spill the beans on purpose?” I seethe and release him, sending him flying into the pool table.

“I don’t know what I’m doing,” he yells as he fixes his shirt. He takes a couple heavy breaths as he walks the length of the table before looking back at me. “I feel out of control.”

“What is going on?” I ask, trying to step back from my anger. I understand out of control.

"Maria was told a while ago she won't be able to have kids. Today, we got the second opinion from another specialist that it is indeed true. I feel like I got kicked in the balls by karma's foot.”

"So, you decided to sell me out?”

“It’s not that. I'm not thinking straight. You, of all people, should understand that.”

“I do. Listen, I'm sorry about Maria. I am. I know you two have been trying for a while and I know the losses have been hard,” I say sincerely.

"She just looks so happy with Matty, man. I want to give her that.”

“There’s other ways to have kids. Adopt, surrogates. It can still happen for you both.”

“Adopt?” He huffs and something in him switches. “When I have my own flesh and blood already?”

Rage rushes through my veins once again. Fuck him. I want to care, but I’m not going to feel sorry enough to give up my family for him.

"Don't. Don't you fucking dare. I get you’re upset, but don't do what I think you’re thinking. Don't fucking do this to me. Matty is my son.”

“But he's not." Landon rebukes, and I swear I almost lose it with this deep fire growing in my chest.

"Does he call you daddy? Do you tuck him into bed every night? Love and care for him?" I shove his shoulder. "You told me you didn't want the job, so I took over." I didn’t take over anything, they were always mine. They walked into my life for a reason. My jackass brother used my name so I could have this chance with them.

"You should've walked away," Landon growls and my fists clench, ready to knock him out. “So I wouldn’t have to deal with any of this.”

"Walk away? You knew I was feeling something for her in the beginning. You knew I was in love with her and Matty after you admitted the truth and you expected me to just walk away?"

He pauses. "Fuck, I don’t know man. The last couple of months have been hard. I never expected to be at this point where I'm not sure what to do."

"Do you really want Matty or you just in some weird place?"

"I don't know,” he yells, and his hand slams down on the pool table. “I don’t know.”

“That’s not good enough. Just go home, Landon, back to your wife. Take care of her. Things will work out for you, somehow.”

“How the fuck do you know?”

“I don’t, but as much as I want to rip you to fucking shreds right now, I want the best for you. I want you to be happy and have kids. It’s just at the same time I’m not going to let you rip up my family to have it. You gave them up and I’ve made them my life and I will fight you to the death for them.”

“It’s not always about you.”

“It’s not about me. It’s about them.”

There’s a knock on the door and the scent of coconut and strawberries fills the room. My girl is here. I straighten my shirt and step back. “Yeah?

“Liam?” Holly says as she steps into the room. She puts her arm around my waist and eyes me and my brother. “We should go. Matty is exhausted.”

“You’re right. Let's get the hell out of here. I’ve had enough for one night,” I grit out and stare down my brother.

“Jesus Christ, Liam. Relax," Landon scoffs.

“Don't talk to me about relaxing. Don't screw this up for me. Please.” It’s my final plea.

He doesn’t say anything and turns around, pulling the billiard balls from the pocket.

I guide Holly out of the room needing to escape. Needing to escape in her.

"What is he trying to screw up?"

"Some deal with a client.”

"You're very passionate about this deal.”

"I am." I press a kiss to the top of her head. More than you'll ever know. “Let’s get home.”

“Does your brother not like me?" She turns back to the den.

"My brother only cares about himself."