His laugh was low, almost non-existent. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”
“Why?” I whispered. “Why did you have to go after that man?” My heart spasmed once more even as I tried to ignore the pain.
“You could’ve been hurt,” he murmured.
“And this is so much better?” I scowled making him smile as a nurse approached.
“I just need a minute to administer some medication, if you’ll just wait outside, please.”
Her stern façade was infuriating. Regardless, I nodded, squeezing his hand before I left the room. Trent was waiting for me as only immediate family was allowed inside.
“How’s he doing?” He pulled me into a tight hug that I needed.
“I’m not sure. They say it’s too soon to tell and they’ll know more in an hour.” I sighed and turned as someone approached.
Natasha, Zayne’s assistant stood there. Having only met her a few times, when she dropped by to pick up stuff for him, I didn’t know her. Zayne made sure his work-life never crossed over into his personal life.
“Hi,” she greeted us both as another woman walked in behind her. “How is he, Rika?”
I scowled at the familiarity she didn’t deserve and shrugged. “They’re not allowing visitors yet.”
Not sure if she mistook my irritation for pain, I was surprised when she gestured to the woman next to her. “This is my partner, Stacey.”
I gawked, she was bringing her partner to see her lover. How cruel. Wait. Her partner was a woman? What was I missing?
“I know that look, Rika.” At my frown, she added. “He told me what he did. It was a lie. We never had a relationship. I’m happily married enough to speak in front of Stacey.”
My jaw dropped so hard it actually bounced back with a snap. “Zayne lied?” She nodded. “Why?”
“You’ll have to ask him that. I do know, though, he’s been in love with you for years.”
Next to me, Trent stiffened as much I did. I glanced up at him but there was only tender affection in his smile.
Several minutes later when I could go back in, I asked him, “Why did you lie about Natasha?”
“Because I needed you to be happy.”
“But I was happy.”
He sighed. “Were you, baby? Happy being my friend? Happy being in a marriage that was in name only?”
“Yes, and you could’ve changed all of that,” I mumbled. “You could’ve made it something more but you chose not to. Why?”
He smiled. “The morning I put that ring on your finger.” He pointed to the jade ring I wore. “I was going to tell you how I truly felt. Then, Trent walked out and I noticed the way you looked at him. Almost like you recognized him and something told me to wait, to find out who he was and I did.”
“But you should’ve said something, I deserved to know,” I cried. “We were married long before he arrived, yet you gave me up without a fight,” I didn’t keep the accusation out of my voice. “I loved—love you Zayne.”
“And what about Trent?” I stared at him, unsure what answer to give, never expecting my heart to split me in two. How was it possible to have such strong feelings for both?
“You love him, Rika and he loves you. After all that has happened, and even if I kept the truth from you. You don’t have to admit it, it’s written all over your face.” He coughed and I startled. The tears in full force, blurring my vision. “It doesn’t matter how long we’ve lived, baby, what matters is how much we’ve lived in that lifetime.”
“Don’t you dare say that to me, Zayne. You were...are my life...don’t you dare leave me, I need you.”
“You have no idea what you gave me, unknowingly. You made me live. You gave me a second chance at life.”
I looked at him, confusion creasing my brow. “I don’t understand.”
“You don’t need to.” He swallowed, searching my face. “I love you, Rika. Always have and always will. Don’t you ever forget that, okay?”
