CALLI
Ifall onto the bed and stop fighting the pain that wants to bubble out of me.
From the very beginning, Ant and I knew that it wasn’t going to work between us. Neither of us is stupid enough to believe a miracle was going to happen. But at the same time, we were both happy to enjoy what we had and try not to worry about what was going to happen next too much.
But watching him walk away just then… Knowing that he’s going back to his uncle, the rest of his family, when they might know, or even suspect what he’s done… It wrecked me.
I don’t want him hurt because of me. Because he was trying to be a good friend, trying to protect me.
I have no idea how long I lie there with my pillow soaked with my tears when his footsteps get louder outside my door.
Guilt tumbles through me for walking away from him like I did. But he’s hurt me, lied to me, freaking abducted me. And now I’m stuck here—wherever the hell here is. And I have no idea what’s going on other than the fact that everyone I love could currently be in trouble. Or worse.
He hesitates outside the door for the longest time. I start to think he’s going to take a seat on the floor out there again and just wait.
But after a few more minutes, the sound of the door opening hits my ears before he lets himself in.
I keep my eyes closed and my breathing steady, too intrigued to see what he’s going to do while I’m sleeping to open my eyes.
I also know that if I do that, it’s going to end in an argument that I really don’t have the energy for.
The apple I stole on the way out is currently sitting on the bedside table, and my belly aches, it’s so empty. But my stubborn streak is stopping me from getting what I need.
Well, for food, anyway. Apparently, my inner whore doesn’t listen to my hard-headed side, because she threw her legs wide open to get what she needed.
I’ve sat back for months and watched my friends lose their minds over guys and sex, and I didn’t get it.
Now I do.
Now, I totally understand the meaning of dick drunk, and just how fucking magical they can be.
His loud sigh rips through the air as he looms over me.
I’m plunged into darkness as he steps in front of the stream of sunlight that was warming me through the French doors.
My fingers twitch to reach out to him, to drag him down with me and find out what’s going on.
But I hold myself back, wanting to see if he’ll give me anything willingly.
“I hate seeing you sad,” he whispers, his fingers brush down my cheek softly, and I impress myself with my lack of reaction. “I hate that you’re hurting. And I wish I was enough to make it all better.”
My heart shatters for him, but I remain still, silently begging him for more.
With another sigh, he moves once again, the warmth of the sun returning to my skin before the bed dips behind me.
“He wasn’t good enough for you, Angel. I just fucking wish I was, because someday soon, I’ll be in your position right now, watching you walk away from me.”
His arm wraps around my waist as he lines his front up with my back and holds me tight.
“I know you’re never going to feel the same. I came to terms with that many years ago,” he whispers. His lips brush against my neck and sends a shudder of desire through me. “But you’re my everything.”
I just about manage to catch my sob before it erupts.
He holds me tighter, breathes me in and just lies there with me.
The minutes slip past and I start to think that I should probably give myself up and confess that I’m actually awake when a soft snore fills the room.
My eyes pop open in shock.