I panted from that word vomit, and I may have sobbed again.
“This is why when you’re three in a relationship, communication is so important. It’s important for all relationships, but especially when there’s more than two people involved,” Knox said. “The three of us talk about everything, even our deepest feelings.”
I nodded and fiddled with the wadded-up tissue in my hand. “Yeah, I think this is really new to them. And they had unresolved issues. They’re… cousins, if you didn’t know, so that was the biggest thing holding them back.”
Ryder tucked some curls away from my face. “Why did you decide to leave? I saw them there at the club that night. They adore you. They’re obsessed with you.”
“I agree,” Finn said. “I saw the same thing.”
“Yeah, I know they like me. But obsessed? No. I know they care. None of their problems would have happened had I not been involved with them. It was because of me that Linden left. He couldn’t take not being with Hugh the way he wanted.”
Finn reached for my shoulder and turned me to face him. He looked me dead in the eye with his pretty green ones. “That’s not what I see.”
“W-what do you mean?”
“You may have been the catalyst for them opening up about their feelings for each other, but that’s agoodthing. It may not have happened had you not been involved with both men. They would still be living with their secrets.”
“I completely agree,” Knox said. “They’re no longer holding back. They’re finally being honest with each otherbecauseof you. I strongly doubt they’d want you to leave. And no offense, Atlas, but you sound a bit self-sacrificial. Why do you get to decide what’s best for them? Shouldn’t they decide that?” My jaw dropped at his brutal honesty, not because he was being truthful, but because he made me see the situation differently. “You’re not exactly communicative and honest with them yourself.”
“Are you jealous of them?” Ryder asked delicately.
“Oh, god, no… I’m happy they finally found each other. I’m upset because I want them, but… I’m afraid I’m in the way. It’s always been them, since college. But… I do feel like a sudden third wheel, if I’m being honest.”
Ryder squeezed my shoulder. “Do you love them?”
I looked down at my lap and nodded, lips trembling and tears streaming. “So much.”
“I bet you haven’t told them, have you?”
I shook my head.
“When you all get back together, and you will, I highly recommend you improve your communication if you want to be together long term,” Knox advised.
“I thought we were, but I guess not. They’ve never had anything serious, and neither have I, so we’re all kind of new to this.”
Knox nodded thoughtfully. “And there are three of you, which adds complexity to the dynamic.”
He was a handsome, smart man. It would be stupid not to listen to him. I wasn’t into men as old as my father, but I understood why Ryder and Finn loved him.
“You need to talk to them, At,” Ryder said.
“I know. I will, but I need… time to process my thoughts. My brain is kind of a raging tornado right now.”
I stood and looked at each of them. “Thank you for listening and letting me stay here, but I’m really tired now.”
“You’re welcome,” Knox said, standing with me. “Ryder, will you show him the guest room?”
“Sure.”
I followed Ryder toward the stairs. He grabbed the bag that I’d dropped by the front door, and we headed up.
The room was beautiful and clean, with minimalist decorations.
“That bed will make you sleep like a baby,” he said. “I would know firsthand. You have your own bathroom, and towels are already in there. Let me know if you need anything else.”
“Thanks for this, Rye.”
He gathered me in his arms and held me. God, he was such a good soul. “Anytime, At. Anytime.” He pulled away, but held my shoulders, looking down at me with those beautiful hazels of his. “Now, grab yourself a good night’s sleep, and in the morning, we’ll have some breakfast. Then you should reach out to your guys.”
