“I don’t believe that.”
“This wasn’t part of the deal, Roman.” She shakes her head and points between us. “This isn’t going to happen.”
Yeah, fuck that. Does she really think I’m going to let go of the only woman who has ever made mewantmore? We’ve moved way past the danger zone and straight to obsession.
She shouldn’t have kissed me like that if she didn’t want me to fucking chase her.
“Yeah, we’ll see, sweetheart.”
“You’re literally in the hospital, this isn’t important.”
“I beg to differ.”
“What do you want from me?” She suddenly bursts, a bite to her tone. Her wide blue eyes latch and hold mine, swirling with so much pain and fear and anxiety. If I could curl myself around her right now, I would, take all that pain into myself so she could just breathe for a moment. But with Niamh, it will take time. Trust will need to be built.
My brows lift. “I want you to talk to me.”
“We’re married on paper, Roman, that’s all. I don’t owe you anything.”
“What are you afraid of?” I push just a little harder.
She lifts her hand and pinches the bridge of her nose. “Everything.”
There’s so much to unpack with that one word, but I get it because I feel it too. Letting people in, letting peoplesee.There’s a vulnerability in the action, something I have refused to allow for a long time. Exposing parts of yourself only opens you up to being hurt, but sometimes, the risk is worth the reward. Or at least that’s what I hope. Who am I to talk? I can onlydo.
“Come here,” I order her gently.
She shakes her head a little. “I need to go. I’m glad you’re okay, Roman.”
A heavy sigh leaves me as I watch her leave, steps hurried like she can’t bear to be in the same room as me. She’s in such a rush, she knocks into Silas as he’s reentering, but he’s quick to dodge, watching her run.
“What did you do?” Silas blinks at me.
“I like my wife.”
He squeezes his eyes closed and shakes his head. “You like… your wife.”
“Mm,” I nod. “Is one of them for me?” I point to the coffee.
“How many drugs did they give you?” Silas asks, handing over one of the coffees. I mean, I’ve taken many drugs, mostly for pain management, but I’m thinking clearly.
“It’s not the drugs.”
“So why was she running?”
I shift on the bed and wince with the pain. “Because she likes me too.”
I feel like a damn teenager with a crush, a little giddy.
Silas shakes his head. “You’re so fucked.”
“Totally aware,” But now I’ve got to put in the work. Something I’ve never fucking done because this has never been a possibility. Is this what my grandfather wanted?
I’ve never been more confused.
“Remy is getting on the next flight home,” Silas settles into the seat beside the bed, sipping his coffee.
I should’ve guessed he would call our younger brother, but with the way things have switched, it wouldn’t be a bad idea for him to be home.
