That one I’d never fail him on.
“So it’s going to be like that.”
Max turned to the nearest table, distracting them all from the drama unfolding. Ryan’s shoulders rose and fell a few times. I watched, captivated. There were only inches between us, but it might as well have been the miles I was used to.
I could look, but I couldn’t touch. He wouldn’t allow it.
I hated that more than anything else.
Without saying a word, Ryan marched towards the bar. He leaned on the counter, gesturing at the bartender for another drink.
I took up a spot at his side. Right where I belonged.
I could see his face in profile now. God, it hurt so much. Ryan wasn’t one to upload photos of himself to social media often, but I’d hoarded each and every one of them. They’d kept me warm during many cold and lonely nights overseas. Nights when I wasn’t certain if they’d be my last. If I’d ever get a chance to do this very thing.
Talk to my Shadow again.
The bartender placed a glass in front of Ryan. He picked it up swiftly and drained half the contents in one go.
I winced internally. Of all the probable scenarios I’d played out in my mind over the years, this was one of the worst. Ryan hated me so much he couldn’t even look at me. But maybe that was okay.
We all knew what they said about the line between love and hate.
“I didn’t know you drank whisky.”
He lowered the glass to the wood, keeping his eyes forward. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me now.”
“Evidently.” My gaze swept over him, noting every change that had happened over the past few years. The few inches he’d gained. How his frame had filled out. There was one thing that hadn’t changed though. That would never change.
I loved him just the same.
“You’re like a whole new person,” I continued.
“I am.”
“And you’re going to be married, apparently.” I was amazed I didn’t choke on the word.
Ryan’s nostrils flared as his fingernails dug into the bar. “There’s noapparentlyabout it, Dominic. I’m engaged. I’m getting married. I’m very happy.”
There’smy Shadow.I chuckled again, feeling hope for the first time since I’d walked through the doors. Ryan might’vechanged, but not that much. I could still read him like a book, and this page saidI’m lying through my teeth.“If that’s the case, why can’t you even look at me?”
I knew he’d take it as the challenge it was. And Ryan was never one to back down from a challenge from me.
I mean, just look how we’d started.
Sure enough, he turned to face me, mimicking my position leaning on the bar. His gaze swept over me coolly. Dismissively.
I might’ve bought it if not for how his eyes lingered on my neck. On the scar that had nearly cost me my life.
I thanked god every day it hadn’t. I hadn’t made it through three fucking tours just to die two years before being reunited with Ryan.
Seeing him head-on was almost my undoing. I had to call on every second of my military training to keep my expression impassive. To stop myself cradling his beautiful face and begging for his forgiveness.
That wasn’t the approach to take here. Not with Ryan. I knew better than that.
He turned away abruptly, his stare dropping to his drink. “Why are you here, Dominic?”
“I would’ve thought that was obvious.”
