My Ex Husband The Alpha His Brother The Rogue novel Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Laila

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The rays of sunlight streak in through the partly opened blinds, casting a dim glow on the black marble of the kitchen island. The smell of freshly made coffee permeates the air, accompanied by the sugary scent of maple syrup and fresh toast.

Liam is seating at the table, giddily munching away on his breakfast waffles. The thick syrup dribbles down the side of his lips and he sticks his tongue out to catch the dribble, creating a bigger mess.

What did we say about creating a mess at breakfast?” I chide halfheartedly, “You’d be luring ants all the way to the kindergarten

Liam’s eyes widen and he quickly reaches for some wet wipes to wipe down his lips.

I watch him attempt and fail to tidy himself up, a lazy smile on my lips.

“Do you need some help there?” Kael’s familiar voice interrupts the serenity of the morning.

“Daddy” Liam cries in delight.

I suffen visibly. For a moment, my smile freezes on my lips.

“Hey, little man.” Kael responds, a small smile stretched his lips as he crouches to ruffle Liam’s hair. “First day of school without me?”

Mommy say Daddy busy!” Liam protests violently, screaming and giggling while he scrambles to get away from Karl’s hands.

He nearly knocks over his breakfast and all I can do is watch in bafflement.

The disparity between this Kael, and the Kael from last night is startling. But it’s always been this way.

Despite our differences, Kael has been a father to Liam in his own way. Even while he was mostly away in the past three years, he never failed to show up for every significant event… from Liam’s birth, to birthdays, to hospital visits

With few words, few gestures but his ever present brooding self.

He’s fulfilled his end of the contract so well. I am bound to him in ways I can never extricate myself until he chooses to let me go.

If his intentions had been to force me to develop a sense of duty and loyalty to him, Kael has succeeded completely And Im helpless against ham

“You’ll get syrup on your shirt I point out Karl’s attention shifts to me and I avert my eyes.

“Liam, Marie is waiting upstairs. Go get changed and I’ll drop you off Kael says to Liam in a fond tone.

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Liam scurries off, cheering in excitement. I breathe a quiet sigh, picking up Liam’s plate.

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“Chef Ron is well versed with Liam’s preferences.” Kael breaks the silence after a moment passes.

Tm aware. I reply blankly.

“If Marie is not enough. I will have them send more help.” Kael continues,

“I don’t think there’s a need…” I begin to say but Kael interrupts me.

“Do you think I made you my wife so you could tend to the home like you did for Cameron?” His voice sounds dangerously close.

And my heart drops when his hands rest on both sides of the marble, caging me in on both sides from behind.

Kael… the true Kael is back. In the absence of Liam, he’s nothing but the monster I’ve always known him to be. The monster I’ve sold my soul to.

I will only have you be the most dazzling diamond Thorneville has ever seen.” His breath is warm as it fans against my neck. “The one everyone desires but can never have. The one who will bring Cameron down to his knees at my feet…”

Cameron… the hate in his tone whenever he says that name terrifies me.

And the way he speaks about me, like I’m just another trophy displayed on his shelf.

“That is you, Laila” Kael whispers, his tone a deeper baritone than usual.

“Cameron called you thrice last night…” He trails off, leaning so close, his lips brush the tips of my ears. “What do you plan to do about it?”

My heart shrivels in terror. I knew Kael’s always been watching, but I didn’t realize he would already know this so soon before I could tell him about it myself.

“I was going to tell you… I begin to say,

“Of course you were, Laila” He murmurs, “You know what happens if you keep things from me.”

I know what you think I’m going to do” I say. I won’t see him, Kael I have no reason to.”

He lingers for a moment, before he steps away.

“The old man called. He wants to see you‘ Kael revealed

“Grandfather Blackwood?” I ask in surprise.

Kael nods.

“Do you know what he wants?” I question warily.

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Chapter 11

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“No.” Kael admits. “My Grandfather is a dangerous man. He’s cunning and despite his warm welcome yesterday, he favors Cameron greatly and has strongly opposed my return for years now. If he wants to see you, it won’t be for pleasantries.”

“He’ll probably try to get something out of me… I murmur, Tll handle it.”

“I know you will. Kael’s response is factual. “I didn’t choose you for your pretty face”

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. “You chose me to be the most dazzling diamond of Thorneville,” I recount his words.

You’ve already made that clear. But while we’re within our own home… I will just be Liam’s mother.”

That means cooking him breakfast when he’s still having trouble adjusting to a new environment and new people. Even if that gets me on your bad side.” I clarify.

“And while we’re at it…” I trail off, placing a plate of waffles on the table beside him. His stomach growls almost on perfect cue. “I was never Cameron’s caretaker. And I never cooked while we were married either…”

“There wasn’t a need. Sarah is after all, a renowned chef.”

Kael just stares at me in silence and then at the plate, and back at me again.

“You’re many things, Kael Blackwood. But immortal isn’t one of them. When last did you actually eat? It’s been three years, and you still skip every meal and then forget you skipped them.”

“At this rate, you’ll be dead and you won’t be able to stop me from getting back with Cameron.” I grumble beneath my breath, brushing past him to the stairs.

AD