CHAPTER 19

  Stefan

  I felt nervous, angry, and helpless when I heard my brother's voice.

  "Why are you answering Kara's phone? On what... right?"

  "She's my girlfriend, Stefan," he replied proudly.

  "I was her husband, but I never touched her phone," I stated.

  "I don't care. My relationship with Kara is different. Kara can't talk to you; she's in the shower."

  An unpleasant image entered my mind. Had Derek already made love to Kara? Just thinking about it made my blood boil.

  "I want to talk to her. I'll call her later."

  "No, brother. Tell me what you have to say. And I'll give her the message. I don't want you to talk to Kara. She doesn't need you. My presence in her life is enough. You know that. I know you were eavesdropping outside the hospital today. I know you heard Kara chose me over you. It's time to give up. You won the fight, Stefan. Kara is mine."

  "You speak of her as if she were an object."