We stare at each other for a moment, and eventually Bennett turns his kicked puppy eyes onto the floor in defeat.
“Why him? Why not me?” he asks.
That’s the question, isn’t it? Why Rowan? I asked myself this question a million times from the moment I met him until I decided I believed his fate theory.
And it’s simple. It’s so fucking simple that I cannot believe it took me so long to see.
“Because, Bennett,” I start, and I give him the softest smile I can manage. “It’s always been him. Long before you and I met, it was already in motion. This was never a fair fight. And I’m sorry about that.”
“That… I don’t understand.”
“That’s okay, you don’t have to.”
“But—” His voice trails off, his eyes snapping up and over my head before they darken. “Okay. Have a good day, Elijah.”
Then he turns and walks away, and I release a long breath.
I do feel bad for him—Bennett always thought he was doing the right thing. And aside from forcing me on that tower ride, he was a good guy.
“Little angel,” a deep, familiar timbre calls out to me.
I shiver against the sound, my entire body lighting up in awareness.
“I was wondering why he suddenly ran away,” I say, turning to face Rowan, where he stands a few steps behind me.
He’s smiling widely, his green eyes lit up the way they normally are when I’m praising him or lying under him naked.
“What’s that smile for?” I ask.
“It’s always been him,”he repeats my words from just moments ago, and I feel my skin flush red.
“Eavesdrop much?”
Rowan laughs. “Maybe.” He steps forward, wrapping his arms around my waist to pull me against him. “And now I’m insanely horny. Should I fuck you in the bathroom?”
I smack his chest, glaring at him. “You’re an animal, Rowan. How is everyone?”
“They’re fine. Getting along very well, actually,” he assures me.
I hum, tracing my fingers over his pecs as he holds me.“And how do you feel? You look a lot less stressed now.”
“Yeah, well, I was nervous to see Ramon. We’ve barely spoken in years, and I really did miss him. I’ve never had many people in life, so I was scared it’d be weird now,” he admits.
“He seems to be excited to see you, though.”
Rowan hugs me tighter, kissing gently on my jaw. “Pretty cool, isn’t it?”
“Mhm.” I hum again.
“Thank you for today, Eli. Seriously.”
“No need to thank me,” I say, tilting my head to accept more of his kisses. “I’m just happy everything is going so well. Now let’s get back.”
“Aw,” Rowan whines, pressing in closer to me. “Fine. But after dinner, we’re going back to your place, and I’m totally going—”
“Okay! Whatever you’re about to say, okay.”
Rowan’s laughter follows us all the way back to our table.
