I’m painfully aware he depends on me. But he’s not alone. He has you too. And he’s friends with our neighbor. She’s very nice and likes him a lot. But I’m not saying this to evade my responsibilities. I know I’m not allowed to fuck this up. I KNOW. And no matter what happens, I’ll be there for him. Even if he falls in love with someone else. I’ll always care for him and support him. No matter what.
William stared at his screen, chewing his bottom lip as he waited for Oliver’s reply, begging the universe he’d understand.
? Oliver:Have you told him all this?
Oliver’s reply wasn’t what he’d expected, but it was one he should have.
? William:No…
? Oliver:Tonight.
William sighed. He tilted his head back, staring at the perfect blue sky as his anger deflated. Oliver’s attitude stung, but he was right. Adathan wasn’t just a casual fling—being casual about it wasn’t an option. William had to build a strong foundation to their relationship, and the sooner the better.
He glanced down as his phone buzzed again.
? Oliver:If you don’t, I’ll know.
CHAPTER 20
Treasured
? Oliver:He just left. Can I call you?
William sat down at the table, bracing himself as he tapped the call button.
Oliver answered immediately. “Hey. I wanted to apologize for earlier.”
A weight lifted from William’s chest. He almost waved off the apology out of habit, but he kept quiet. Judging from the vulnerability in Oliver’s voice, he needed this.
“I had no reason to be so harsh with you,” Oliver said. “I’m sorry. I’ll understand if you’d rather not speak to me for a while.”
“Huh?” The thought was so ridiculous, William almost snorted in disbelief. Even when he’d been pissed earlier, not once had it crossed his mind that he might want a break from Oliver. “Okay. Tell me exactly what’s going on.”
“I, uh—it’s nothing.”
“Like hell,” William said with no bite in his voice. “Tell me what’s wrong.”
“I’m sorry. I realize I’ve been... more insecure than usual, lately.”
“Insecure?” William had no idea where this was headed, but it was clear now it wasn’t just about Adathan.
Oliver let out a sigh. “You don’t have time for this; Adathan will soon—”
“Doesn’t matter. Tell me what’s wrong.”
Oliver stayed quiet for a moment, and it took all of William’s willpower not to urge him on. Pushing would only make Oliver think he didn’t have time to listen, when in truth William would drop everything in a heartbeat for him.
“Earlier, my reaction . . .” Oliver murmured.
“Yeah?”
“I know it’s unfair, and it took me all afternoon to realize what had prompted it, but I think the reason I reacted that way is... that I’m scared. Of losing you.”
“Huh? Losing me? Why would you lose me?”
“Well. You know. Now that you and Adathan—”
“Oh.” William slumped over the table.
