Sianna
“BABE?”
I opened my eyes. Rayden was kneeling in front of me. We stared at each other for a while, comfortable with the silence, yet my heart ached from being ripped down the center in two equal parts. Not because someone had broken it, because two beautiful men, both alike yet so different, had each claimed a part. Their grip so strong, I feared I’d never get it back.
Opening my mouth to say something, Rayden placed a finger to my lips. “I don’t want you to be disappointed in me, babe. I don’t want to see that look on your face from last night again,” he said, his words so soft, I had to lean closer. “I don’t want to hurt you, ever.” My heart rolled, bounced, and rocked on the upshot of his words.He didn’t want to hurt me?
I sat up and cupped his face in my palms. “You don’t understand, Ray.” I stared at those smiling green eyes, loving their gentleness until realization smacked me hard. I stifled my gasp. If I told him the truth, I’d never see that sparkle again. It would die completely. He’d been hurt before, and he’d suffered. This time he’d hate his father, withdraw completely from his family. How could I send him packing again when he’d just come back? I couldn’t take that risk.
“What don’t I understand, Sianna?”
“Why do you love me?”
A cleft formed between his creased brows. “Because you complete me, babe.” My breath hitched, catching in my throat. And with that answer, I knew the journey with Drake had to end. These were the last few breaths of our love story, one that had to end before it even began. Happiness could never bloom in the shadow of lies, but just this once, it was worth it for Rayden’s sake. Drake would understand. Whatever I did wasn’t just for him, but his son, his family, and he’d opted for heartbreak. He knew it was coming.
I leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his lips. The tension in his muscles eased into a slow smile. “I’m sorry, Rayden.”
He frowned. “Why are you apologizing? I messed up.”
“It’s a credit.” Although I smiled, I prayed I’d never have to apologize for hurting him, ever.
“Would you come to bed with me?” He tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear. “I just need to hold you. Please.”
Nodding, I stood, accepted his hand, and walked to our bedroom. It was only when I passed Drake’s door, did my decision waiver.“Come to me tonight. I’ll be waiting for you.”I let out a shuddering sigh, trying to expel the prickling sharpness in my chest.
“You okay, babe?” Rayden was looking at me, his gaze curious, searching as we entered the room.
“Yes.” I lied because it was all I could do.
And even when I turned on my side, and Rayden curved his body to mine, snuggling me close to him, I lied some more. This time in the form of silent tears that rolled down, soaking into my pillow. Had I also settled for heartbreak with my decision? I closed my eyes.I’m sorry, Drake.A shiver tore through me, and while I hope he wouldn’t, Rayden felt it. The tight squeeze of his arm lying over my waist told me he had. I was glad he didn’t ask me. Because God alone knew, I didn’t think I was capable of holding back the truth if he had.
