Violent Ends (The Denton Family Legacy 5)

“She can do better than you.”

“Are you going to continue to try and choke me or shoot me? Why don’t you let me go? I’m the best thing for her, and you know it kills you.”

“I don’t know shit.”

“She’s mine, Gabriel.” He was done playing around. “I don’t care what you think. I’ll protect her always.”

“No. I don’t believe it. Your claim is bullshit.” Gabriel released him.

“And why is that?” It wasn’t lost on Gideon how close their names were. He wondered if his mother had an inkling that Gabriel was Maddox’s son.

“She deserves better. Always has. Emma can have anyone.”

Gideon stared at Gabriel. “You don’t have a clue what your sister is trying to do, do you?”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Gabriel asked.

“She wants out. She doesn’t want this life anymore and is trying to think of a way out where she doesn’t have to deal with any of this.”

“She’s not allowed out,” Gabriel said, taking a step back.

He watched Gabriel, seeing the shock in his brother’s face. Half-brother.

“What happened?” Gabriel asked. “She was happy.”

“Was she? Or did she fake it?”

“How can you claim her? You’ve known her for a long time. How can you claim her now?”

“I’ve been fighting it, giving her time,” Gideon said. “She’s mine. I’m not going to back down.”

“If she wants out then does that mean you’re leaving?” Gabriel asked.

“I’d like to know that as well,” Jacob said.

One by one, he watched his brothers enter the kitchen.

“Wow, talk about a sudden surge of family love,” he said, gripping the back of his neck.

“Are you leaving?” Abel asked.

“It’s not decided yet, and I’m sticking around for Landon. I’m not going to let him face this alone.”

“How nice of you,” Jacob said. “How could you keep a secret like this?”

“Easily, none of you gave a fuck about who I wanted. I’m not wanting sympathy or shit. I don’t need it.”

“You put it off for a long time,” Damian said.

Gideon shrugged. “Guess I’m strong. Now if you’ll excuse me—”

“Emma’s not getting out,” Maddox said.

The appearance of his father shocked him. Usually when his father was making up with his mother, it took all night long. He must be losing his touch in his old age.

“What the hell are you talking about?” Gideon asked.

“You’re a Denton. She’s a Colton. There’s no out for either of you.”