Misha’s face contorts with frustration. “Not one of us really thought thejust-being-friendsthing would have worked.”
His words hit me like a slap, the truth of them tearing through my anger. Deep down, I know he’s right. The tension, the unspoken feelings—it was never going to work. But that doesn’t make it hurt any less. And it doesn’t make the betrayal feel any less raw.
“Obviously, because some people’s word is worth shit,” I snap, glaring at him. My hands are shaking, fists clenching and unclenching at my sides. Part of me wants to forgive, to keep the peace, but another part, the part that’s been hurt and betrayed, wants to lash out, to let go of all the restraint I’ve been holding onto for so long.
And then I make a decision.
“And if your word isn’t worth anything, then mine won’t be either now.”
The words hang in the air, heavy with finality. As soon as they’re out, I know there’s no going back. I’ve let go. The old Oliver, the one who kept his feelings bottled up, who always played it safe—he’s gone. And in his place is someone who’s ready to fight for what he wants.
And what I want is her.
The room falls silent, and Misha’s shoulders slump. He looks at me, his expression one of defeat. “I couldn’t help it, Ollie. I couldn’t keep lying to myself.I love her.”
“And you think I can?” I retort, my voice shaking with emotion. My heart feels like it’s being torn apart. “You think it’s easy for me? I’ve loved her foryears!”
Misha’s expression turns soft, and he takes a step closer. “Then why don’t you? Why are we torturing ourselves like this?”
“Because I thought I was doing the right thing,” I whisper, my anger giving way to pain. I feel tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. “I thought keeping the peace between us was more important than what I want.”
Grey steps in, placing a hand on each of our shoulders. “Maybe it’s time we stop trying to control everything and just be honest. With ourselves and with Amelia.”
I look at Misha, then at Grey. “You’re right. I’m going to talk to her.”
I already know how I’m going to do it. The turmoil inside me starts to settle, replaced by a determination to finally be honest—with her and with myself.
I just hope it’s not too late.
Alone in the office,I’m sitting at my desk, staring blankly at the screen in front of me. I only had a couple of hours of sleep, but it was worth it. Last night was one of the best nights I’ve ever had.
The good days are piling up lately, and it’s all because of them.
Every time I think about it, which is constantly, obsessively, and in high-definition recall, my stomach tingles, and the butterflies go crazy. I had never experienced an orgasm with a man before. Well, I’d only slept with one before, my ex, and he never brought me to climax. I’d always had to rely on myself to reach that point.
And Misha did it twice.
But then, almost immediately, concern and worry bubble up beside the butterflies, threatening to drown them. I wouldn’t change what happened for the world, but now I’m back to hurting people and being confused.
Even after an amazing night with Misha, my feelings for Grey and Oliver are still there, just as strong. I had hoped that maybe I could make sense of them, but it just got worse.
Now, I know for a fact that this is not just a crush. It’s so much more.
With all three of them.
While I love where things are going with Misha, I dread the thought of losing Oliver and Grey over it. Worse, I’m terrified that I might have driven a wedge between their friendship. How did I get here? How did I let things get so tangled and messy?
Langley comes into the office, snapping me out of my thoughts. He scowls as he sits on my desk as usual, and I have to suppress a gag when the scent of his new cologne hits my nose. “Amelia, you’ve fallen noticeably behind on your solar panel project. This scope of project usually takes you much less time, but your head seems to not be in the game.” His tone is sharp. “I saw you hanging around the AI department at the company event. There’s talk about you all, you know. Don’t forget who you’re working for. It’s definitely not their department.”
What a cockwomble.
Before I can respond, the door to the office opens with a knock, and Oliver walks in. My heart skips a beat. I haven’t seen him all day, and the sight of him now, stepping into the office with quiet confidence, sends my emotions into a tailspin. He looks from me to Langley, and I know he can feel the tension he just walked into.
“Is there a problem here?” Oliver asks, his voice steady, calm, yet carrying an authority that I haven’t heard before.
Langley gives Oliver a wary look before he hops off my desk and turns back to me. “Just make sure your work improves, Amelia,” he says, then leaves the office.
Oliver watches him leave, but his gaze softens as he looks at me. “Are you okay?” he asks, his concern evident.
