The brothers who fought for me (by Levi Bennett) novel Chapter 3

**A Promise Lost Between Two Worlds by Jaxon Hale Ryder**

As he spoke, the man seized her wrist with a swift, almost possessive motion, spinning her around and drawing her into the pulsating heart of the dance floor.

That unmistakable, obsessive gesture could only belong to Ezekiel.

Juliette’s body froze, her mind racing with a mix of disbelief and discomfort. “Let go of me!” she exclaimed, her voice edged with urgency.

She fought against his grip, her heart pounding as the music enveloped them, a cacophony of sound that seemed to amplify her distress. The hand clasped around her waist tightened, pressing her against his chest with an almost suffocating force.

Desperation clawed at her throat, and she could no longer contain herself. “Ezekiel, let go!” she shouted, her words slicing through the music like a knife.

In an instant, the lights flickered back on, flooding the room with a harsh brightness that made her squint.

As her eyes adjusted, she caught sight of Giovanni Powell standing beside her, his expression a mixture of concern and confusion.

Across from them, Leilani clung to Ezekiel’s arm, her gaze darting between the two of them as Ezekiel regarded Juliette with that infuriatingly calm, mocking look that always sent shivers down her spine.

“Julie, were you calling my name just now? How flattering! I didn’t realize you were thinking of me while dancing with my brother,” he remarked, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Leilani pouted, her lips forming a perfect bow. “Ms. Sullivan, I know you grew up with both Gio and his brother. But really, you can at least tell your husband and your brother-in-law apart, can’t you?”

Juliette felt a surge of indignation bubbling within her. This time, she wouldn’t remain silent. She opened her mouth to retort, but Giovanni interjected first. “It’s just a misunderstanding. Ezzie just got back, and Julie probably didn’t realize it yet.”

He turned slightly towards her, his voice softening as he continued, “You must be tired. Let me take you back to your room.”

Juliette’s heart sank at his feigned concern. She was weary of their insincere politeness, yet she also refused to play the fool any longer.

With a bitter edge to her voice, she replied, “You’re right. I really can’t tell you two apart anymore.”

Without waiting for their reactions, she strode purposefully upstairs, her mind swirling with frustration.

Giovanni hurried after her, his footsteps echoing in the silence that followed. “Julie, back there on the dance floor, I was in a rush and didn’t catch your hand. It won’t happen again.”

As they reached her room, he bent down to remove her heels, poured her a glass of milk, and even adjusted her pillow to the perfect height she liked.

His gentle demeanor struck a chord deep within her, and a flood of memories washed over her.

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10:42

**Chapter 3**

When she had been sick as a child, Giovanni had stayed up all night by her bedside, a steadfast guardian.

Why would Giovanni, who had always been her protector and had cherished her, lie to her about Ezekiel?

Juliette’s chest tightened, a dull ache spreading through her heart like a shadow.

She lifted her gaze, unable to suppress her emotions any longer. “Giovanni, why did you lie to me about Ezekiel?” she demanded, her voice trembling with hurt.

No sooner had the words left her lips than Giovanni’s phone buzzed insistently.

He quickly glanced at the screen, then turned it off, but not before Juliette caught a glimpse of the name “Leila” flashing on it.

“Julie, what did you just say? Sorry, I have something to take care of. Let’s talk later, okay?” he replied, his tone suddenly evasive.

Juliette fell silent, her heart growing cold and distant.

There was nothing left to inquire about, no flicker of hope remaining.

Once she finalized the divorce, she could free herself from the shackles of this false tenderness.

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“No need,” Juliette replied, reaching for the mug herself. But just as her fingers brushed the rim, Leilani’s hand slipped, sending hot oatmeal splattering across the back of Juliette’s hand, instantly turning her skin a furious red.

“Leila!” she gasped, shocked.

Giovanni instantly grabbed Leilani’s hand, checking her for burns with a frantic intensity.

His pale blue eyes hardened as he shot a glare at Juliette.

“Julie, Leila was just being kind. Why would you burn her on purpose?

“No matter what happened between you two before, she’s my girlfriend now. I won’t allow anyone to hurt her!”

His voice was cold and commanding, leaving no room for argument.

Even though the burn was on her own hand, Juliette felt the pain cut straight to her heart.

She fought to suppress the tremor in her voice. “She dropped it herself. It had nothing to do with me…”

Before she could finish her protest, she noticed that the folder on the table was also soaked with oatmeal.

Her face blanched as she reached for it, panic rising within her.

But Giovanni’s long fingers were quicker. He snatched up the folder and tore it open in one fluid motion!

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**Chapter 4**