“My feelings grew as I spent time with her. I imagined what it would be like if I was with her. I see what you see in her. She loves you. She loves me as a friend and I’m okay with that,” Holden says.
“I appreciate you admitting that. What about you, Briar?”
“I love you, King. I will admit my feelings for Holden are strong, but I’m with you,” she says softly.
“Can you give me a minute? I need to think,” I mutter and Briar nods, heading out the door. Holden pauses before exiting.
“I’m going to be honest right now with you, King. I did kiss her,” Holden says.
“I can’t even be mad, I’ve been neglecting her. I’m as bad as Lane right now, only caring about revenge and winning,” I huff out.
“You’re not at fault for this. You did this so she would be safe,” he points out.
“Well, if I ever can’t be with her, I would hope it was you she would be with,” I sniff.
“If you ever mess up, I’m swooping in,” Holden says and I laugh weakly.
“I can still train with you?” he asks and I nod.
“You’re still family,” I say.
“Thanks. I love you, Bro,” he says before heading out.
“I love you, too,” I call after him.
I take a minute to compose myself and then slip on the sweats and shirt I came here in, needing to get back to said family.
Holden
I leave Kingston to his thoughts, smiling a little bit at the thought of being with Briar. That short time in the dressing room felt so good and I wish I could have more. I won’t tell Kingston the other secret, it would destroy Briar and I would lose her trust. I said I would keep my word, Remo swore to keep his word.
Briar
I wonder what Holden and Kingston were talking about after I stepped out. Was Holden telling Kingston about my secret? What we did felt so good, he made me feel so good.
Kingston
Before slipping out the door to meet my family I cried. I put my head in my hands and bawled like a baby. I don’t even know why I’m crying. I love Briar. Lane was gone. I should be happy. Am I doing this all wrong? Does she really still love me? I need to man up and have a long talk with her.
I wipe my eyes and grab my bag before heading out the door.
“That was some fight,” Caleb says as he sees me, giving me a high five.
“You did good, Son,” Uncle Dante says.
“Glad this is over,” Tristan adds.
“Thanks everyone. I need to go shower and then we can celebrate.”
“I need to take Briar somewhere first,” Viktor says and I cock my head at him.
“What?”
“I need to take her and Thorn to see Lane,” he states.
“Fuck no,” I almost yell.
“I need to go,” she whispers.