“Veronica,” I sigh, running a hand through my hair in frustration. “I’m sorry,” I mumble, struggling to find the right words. Knowing damn well I fucked up. “I don’t know how to stop wanting you. How can you fucking fight it?”
“Because it’s wrong, Iz,” she says, choking back a sob. “It’s all wrong. We’re wrong. This isn’t how families work.”
“We aren’t just family!” I growl, the anger bubbling up within me. “We’re more than that, and you know it!”
She backs away, her chest heaving with indignation. “We’re family.”
“No, we’re not,” I correct her, my voice harsher than I wanted, and my hands shake at my sides. “We’ve never been just family.”
She shakes her head, backing away until she hits the kitchen counter. “Iz, don’t do this,” she pleads, her voice barely audible, her eyes flooded with unshed tears. I’m so close to breaking past her walls. I can see it. I can’t stop now, not when I’m so close to finally putting words to these feelings that have been gnawing at me for years.
“I love you, Veronica. I’ve been in love with you for years.”
Fear flashes in her eyes. “Stop… please,” she begs, her hands pushing against the counter as though wanting to disappear into it.
“And you love me, Ronnie, and you know it. That’s why you won’t marry Max,” I snap, and instant regret engulfs me. The admission hangs in the air between us, sharp and jagged; an unwelcome intruder that slices through the tension, causing her to flinch. I’d thrust out my feelings like a weapon, wounding both of us in the process. In the heat of the moment, I fucked it all up.
“Get the fuck out, Iz. I’ll bring Nixie home. But you leave,vete.”
I stand unmoving, my heart pounding against my ribcage. “Ronnie,” I say, my voice a throaty whisper. “I’m so sorry.”
“Damn you, Iz!” she shrieks again, her tears free-falling now. “Why did you have to ruin everything? Get out. Now.” She holds her ground. I crossed the line, and I don’t bother arguing. I just leave.
On my way out, I bump into Max. “Isaac,” he says. I don’t bother to stop and pretend to have a conversation. He already thinks I’m an asshole. He just doesn’t know how big of it. Swinging the Camaro’s door open, I climb in, sinking into the leather. My fingers curl around the cool steering wheel, my knuckles whitening with the force of my grip. I take a deep breath, pulling in the familiar scent of the vehicle as I attempt to steady my nerves.
For a fleeting moment, I consider going back inside and grovelling at her feet. Apologise for being a dumb asshole, but I don’t. I went too far, and now, I gotta face the consequences of my actions. I turn the key, the rumble of it grounding me in reality as I back out of her driveway.
Chapter Eleven
Isaac
The news plays in the background. A picture of the missing couple flashes across the screen. In their photograph, they stand together against a backdrop of golden wheat fields, their smiles so full of love and promise that the grim reality of their current situation seems impossible.
“Authorities have confirmed that the couple’s vehicle was found abandoned near a gas station the couple was known to frequent,” the news anchor continues solemnly. “Their wallets and cell phones were discovered inside, along with a half-eaten dinner and two untouched water bottles. Foul play is suspected, and the local police force has launched a full-scale investigation. However, as of now, there are no known leads, and the whereabouts of the couple remain unknown.”
The photograph fades and is replaced by footage from a helicopter hovering over the area where their car was found. The scene is chaotic with police dogs sniffing around, forensic teams scattered all over like some real Special Victims shit. I turn off the TV. This shit is depressing and the last thing I need.
It’s been days since I last saw Ronnie, and I’ve been a moping mess since. Like Nixie would say, a broody as fuck MMC. That’s me. Ever since I left her house, the days have been a blur. I pull out my phone only to stare at the screen. A game I’ve been playing since that day. The urge to call her screams in the forefront of my mind. I really want to talk to her, but what could I possibly say that would make things better? I was a complete fucking dickhead, and there is nothing I can say to take my actions or words back. The truth is that I meant every word that I said. Me, calling to apologize, would only be a lie. I would be lying to myself andthe woman I love. To make matters worse, according to my dad, Max asked for her hand in marriage. I can’t prove it, I just know it was definitely a move to force her hand. I’m sure of it.
“FUCK,” I grunt and continue to ice my face, stretching my legs.
“Baby,” Alexa says as she crawls into bed and lies between my legs. Annoyance rolls off my body when her hand traces the length of my cock.Can’t she tell that I’m hurting? Maybe this is what I need to feel nothing.Despite the urge to tell her to fuck off, today, my pain demands to be felt. And I want none of it, which is why I use the only comfort I’ve known.
Alexa’s body.
A simple transaction.
And once it’s all said and done, she gets up from the bed and moves towards the bathroom.
“We have to get ready to meet Ronnie tonight.”
I nod, trying to stop the ache already weighing in my chest at the mention of her name. Tonight is the celebration of her promotion. As always, my girl is doing big things, and I couldn’t be more proud. It still doesn’t hurt any less knowing it’s another man who will be by her side, and not me. “You’re coming?” She calls from inside the bathroom. The sound of water fills the space when she turns on the shower.
I groan and reluctantly push myself out of the comfort of the bed, trailing after her. The scent of her still lingers on my skin, and as much as I wish I could welcome it, all I want to do is wash it off. I shake my head, willing away the thought as I step into the steamy shower behind Alexa. The hot water hits my body like a physical barrier, tearing me away from my mental turmoil and grounding me back in the reality of the tiled bathroom.
Veronica
I look at the time, my fingers linger on the golden stud. My smile fades. I should be happy about my promotion. About the proposal. Yet, all I could think about was Isaac's words, his kiss that still burned on my lips. Tonight is meant to be a celebration, and all I can do is think about my best friend who will show up with Isaac by her side. It would be a lie to say it didn’t hurt. A groan escapes my lips, the gold stud falling from my hand andinto my vanity.
