Ryan ran both hands through his hair, pacing like a caged animal.

“You’re my sister, Lila. I’m supposed to protect you. And he’s my best friend. This is fucked up on every level.”

“It is,” Jax admitted, surprising both of us. His voice was quieter now, heavy with guilt. “It’s messy. It’s complicated. And I hate that it hurts you. But I’m not sorry for loving her. I’m not sorry for making her mine. I’d burn the world down before I let anyone hurt her again — including myself.”

The kitchen fell silent except for the sound of our breathing.

Ryan looked at me, really looked at me — at...