“Is there something going on between the two of you?” he demands.
I glare at him, incredulous. “Seriously? Now?”
“You need to tell me what’s happening, Zoe. Are you involved with him?”
“Wow… I didn’t think you’d stoop this low, Aaron. Can’t you read the room? We’re in a hospital because Dominik got hurt. This isn’t the time.”
“You didn’t deny it.” He seethes, his gray eyes flashing with anger. I realize this might be the first time he’s been this livid with me.
I steel myself, yanking my arm away. “What’s gotten into you? No, I’m not involved with Dominik. It’s all an act, a performance. We have to do this for his hockey career, remember? You were part of that conversation from the beginning, so stop acting like a control freak. It’s beneath you and, frankly, getting old.”
Aaron doesn’t respond, simply turning and striding down the hall. His shoes click sharply against the floor as I take a deep breath, following him.
Lying is easy. I can pretend that my reality doesn’t exist, and in many ways, it doesn’t. Aaron doesn’t need to know about theugly parts I choose to hide. Besides, I won’t be the reason their friendship suffers or ruin Aaron’s trust in me over something as trivial as sex. He’s the only family I’ve got, and I would never do anything to hurt him.
Telling him the truth would do no good, especially right now. We need to focus on Dominik.
As soon as I enter the room, everything else fades into the background. My focus is solely on Dominik’s large figure resting on the hospital bed. The conversation with my brother slips from my mind completely.
All the events leading up to this point seem insignificant.
Dominik looks fragile, exposed, and vulnerable with his eyes closed. He looks so out of place, and it breaks my heart.
My instincts urge me to rush to his side, to hold him tightly, but I stop myself. Walking slowly toward him, I feel a deep fracture in my chest, like a giant wall giving way.
The thought of losing him today has been haunting me. In an ideal situation, I would detach and regain control, but I can’t.
I can’t do it.
For the first time, some twisted part of me understands why he might have done all those things to me. Why he lied at the masquerade ball and continued to lie for years. Maybe he couldn’t help himself either. Maybe sometimes, you risk it all just to feel something.
Dominik blinks, and when his eyes meet mine, they steal the breath from my lungs. It’s at this very moment that I realize I can’t turn back anymore.
Is this the point of no return?
He smiles, and I sigh in relief, feeling like I’ve taken my first real breath since the arena. Why does it feel like ages ago?
His reassuring smile comforts me, as if he’s saying everything will be fine, that it’s all going to be okay somehow.
“You’re here,” he whispers, his voice barely audible.
“Of course I’m here, you idiot,” I reply, a tear escaping.
When did I start crying again?
“I’m here too. Thanks for noticing,” Aaron interjects, reminding me of his presence.
“Hey, man. Miss me?” Dominik jokes.
“What the actual fuck, Dom? Forget how to play hockey out there? Or did you just decide you needed a break at the hospital?” Aaron retorts.
Dominik laughs, but it turns into a cough. He winces, and I reach out, touching his arm. Both he and Aaron look down, and I retract my hand immediately.
Get it together, Zoe.
I don’t know how to act right now. Maybe I should just leave.
“I’ll give you two some space.”
