I haven’t seen him since I told him to leave me the fuck alone and go to his hook-ups. Just the thought of him actually doing that makes me want to scream.
Caspian squares his shoulders. “I’m going to tell him what’s what,” he mutters.
“Don’t,” I say. “I’ll handle him.”
Xaden stops abruptly, glaring at Caspian.
“Where’s Sniff and Stinky?” I ask before I can stop myself. “You make such a charming trio.”
He ignores my jibe. “Can I talk to you?” His voice is cool but strained. “In private.”
Part of me wants to say yes, to hope for some explanation. But the bigger part wants to lash out. Hurt him back.You’re prettier than the guys he usually fucks.Wasn’t that what his friend said while they were laughing at my shocked face?
“Anything you want to say, you can say in front of Caspian.” For a second, he looks almost devastated. I wanted that to sting, but now that I see it did, I don’t like that.
Caspian stands beside me like a bodyguard.
Xaden glances at him again, jaw tightening. “Fuck off.”
“Make me,” Caspian says, unblinking.
I swear to God. “Are you two quite done measuring your testosterone levels?” I snap.
I glance at Caspian. “I’m okay. Give us a little space.” He steps back, reluctantly. Somehow this seems to aggravate Xaden even more. He looks down at our bags; cereal, juice boxes, dinosaur cookies and Caspian’s craft beer, all thrown domestically together. Suddenly he looks so out of place I almost feel sorry for him.
Until he opens his mouth.
“I’ve been wondering, Stone,” he says bitterly. “Did you wait more than five minutes after I left?”
Caspian glances at me, confused, but I cut in, keeping my voice almost calm. “Not that it’s any of your business, Caspian was there for me. Picking up the pieces after you broke my heart.”
The words hang heavy. Xaden’s eyes flash hurt, jealousy, disappointment. I try not to care.
“So you’re happy now?” His voice carries something darker. “Nice house, cute kid, date nights. Real tidy life.”
“At least I don’t sleep with everyone I meet,” I snarl.
His mouth opens, then clamps shut. Finally he scowls: “So only with Caspian then?”
Neither of us answers. Caspian takes a step forward but I touch his elbow, stopping him.
Xaden looks so gutted that, for a split second, his pain cuts through me.I should tell him the truth.But I don’t. Instead, I meet his gaze, daring him.
His next words come in a rush, angry and bitter. “Caspian’s what? Safer? Easier? From a better background?”
“Certainly easier,” I retort, regretting it instantly. It’s not even true. Caspian’s complicated, just not in the way that rips my heart out.
“The background thing? You know I don’t care about that. But Caspian would never disappear for four years. So fuck you, Xaden.”
Tears burn my eyes. My chest aches. Caspian looks at me, concerned, but I turn away.
Xaden steps in front of me, jaw clenched. And then, just for a second, his wall cracks. His hands curl into fists, as if holding something in, but his voice comes out raw instead.
“I used to think fucking you was out of the question,” he blurts, eyes burning. “Good to know you’ve changed your mind.”
The words hit me like a punch. The air leaves my lungs. He looks horrified at himself, like he wishes he could claw the words back, but it’s too late.
“Cole,” he starts, voice breaking.
