“That’s why that fucker agreed to let her come to me, isn’t it? He wanted her to break me.”
“I’m not so sure what his motivations are,” he admits, sighing. “We’re barely talking, and I’m not involving him in shit anymore. But it doesn’t matter, because you two needed to heal together.”
I crank out a bitter laugh. “How the fuck is she expected to heal from that?”
“Are you saying you won’t take care of her?” His tone turns icy cold.
“I’ll take care of her. But it’s not like slapping a Band-Aid on a wound!”
“Just love her, Kaiden. Show her there’s a different way.” I don’t respond, and after a minute of silence, he adds, “Don’t make me regret my decision.”
“I won’t,” I admit, sighing as I drag a hand through my hair. “She’s still my everything. Even if I want to throttle her for using this against me.”
He chuckles. “Can’t say I’m surprised.”
I don’t share his humor, and I want this to be done. “We need to change the plan.”
“Why?”
“Because I’ve probably just compromised us.”
His grunt of frustration trickles down the line. “Do you have something in mind?”
“I do.” And I fill him in.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Abby
My eyes open, and they’re heavy and sore thanks to last night’s crying-slash-breakdown-session. But I feel a little lighter too. Or maybe lighter is the wrong word. Because my loss,ourloss, is a scar on my heart that will never heal. But…there is something freeing about telling the truth and releasing some emotional torment.
Movement in the room startles me, and I jerk my head sideways.
Light is trickling into the room through tiny gaps in the blinds, highlighting his silhouette. Although he’s slouched in the chair, Kai is fully alert. My heart pounds in anticipation as I sit up, rubbing my eyes and squinting at him. “Do you hate me?” I blurt, because terror is doing a number on me. I hate how vulnerable I sound, but I’m wide-open after my revelation, and I couldn’t disguise my emotions even if I tried.
He put my needs first last night. Holding me. Getting in the shower with me to wash off all the mud. Soothing me while he blow-dried my hair. Cradling me in his arms until I fell asleep.
But I’m not naïve. He comforted me because I was in agony, and he was in pain too.
But he’s had time to think about it now.
Time for anger at my deceit to seep into his brain.
“I don’t hate you, Abby. I’ve told you that. And I understand why you did what you did.”
I slump against the headrest in relief even if I still don’t know where we stand. “Why are you all bloodied and bruised?” I ask, frowning as I take in the torn skin on his knuckles and discoloration on his chin and cheeks.
I’m guessing the injuries extend beyond his face, and it’s obvious he’s been fighting.
He ignores me, standing and moving to the end of the bed. In one lightning-fast move, he throws the covers off and grabs my ankle, tugging me down the bed. Panic alternates with excitement as he hovers over me, his eyes glimmering with dark menace and sultry promise. “What are you doing?” I stammer as he pulls my legs down over the edge of the bed, nudging my knees apart.
“Punishing you,” he confirms through gritted teeth as his callused palms start a slow, seductive trail up my legs.
My core throbs as liquid heat rushes to my lower regions. “You’re not leaving me?” My eyes pierce his as I question what’s going on.
Crawling over my body, he holds himself upright by his palms, and dangerous vibes roll off him in waves. “You can’t get rid of me that easily.” Lowering his head, he licks the side of my neck, and a whimper flies out of my mouth.
“But I lied to you.”
