“What?”
“You’re the first person to remind me of everything. You’re not pretending that I’m not in pain, or that this shit is normal.” He pointed at the television as another loud moan erupted. “I never got to tell her that I loved her one last time. That I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. Dad, he wants me to move on now. A Denton man doesn’t show weakness, and right now, I’m weak.”
“You’re not weak, Landon, far from it. You lost the girl you loved. I don’t know what that feels like, but I don’t imagine you’re going to be getting over it any time soon.” She stared at the sandwich on a paper plate.
This was all a little too much. Gideon told her that he tried to stab himself with the porcelain plates. She handed him a sandwich and watched as he actually took it. He ate the sandwich without complaint.
“My dad told me that if I didn’t start eating, he’d force feed me.”
“Wow, that’s awful,” she said.
“It is, and so now I’m eating, yay.”
“I’m really sorry.”
“Don’t be. It’s not your fault.”
“Would you like me to put something else on for you?” she asked.
“Please, this shit has been on repeat way too long.”
She picked up a couple of the movies that were there and waited for his nod of what to change it to.
“I’m not allowed to take you for a shower or anything.”
“It’s fine. I got it. Gideon told me you now belong to him,” Landon said.
She nibbled her lip, not really sure what to say to him. Would it hurt him?
Landon laughed. “It’s fine, Emma. I’m pleased Gideon is happy. You’re not in love with him though yet, are you?”
She shook her head.
“I don’t blame you. I wouldn’t love that sucker either. He’s a pain in the ass.”
“Is there anything else you’d like me to do for you?”
“No. Nothing. Sandwich is all gone, and your company has been fine for now. I’m ready to be alone again. Thank you, Emma.”
She picked up the tray.
Once she was at the door, she glanced back at him, and pain filled her at seeing him. He wasn’t himself, and she doubted he ever would be again.
Taking the tray to the kitchen, she saw Maddox and Charlotte there.
“I think it’ll be good.”
“He’s twenty-four, Maddox. I don’t care. Our daughter is not even eighteen yet.”
“We can marry them at sixteen with our permission.”
“Really, you want to marry our daughter off to the highest bidder. I can’t even believe you right now.”
“The Savona family is one of the best there is,” Maddox said. “A connection with them via marriage will help cement the Denton name.”
“And you being you, will have expanded your empire over dozens more cities at the cost of our daughter.”
“Tamsin doesn’t suffer the curse like we do. She’s not going to meet her dream man, and this is good for the family.”