I’d never tell her, but she’d been keeping me afloat these last few years.
Drew
Come over tomorrow morning. I’ll talk to Annika and make sure she’s prepared. Fix your mistake, Blaize.
Blaize
I’ll be there.
Hunter and Drew both keep me updated on Kadence. She’d been sparring with Drew for hours at the gym down the street from their apartment. Drew said it was helping with her pain and releasing her anger. I could only imagine what she was imagining when punching a bag.
Hunter kickedmy door open and came storming in like she owned the place. “Are you done being a fucking dumbass?” Hunter asked.
“Are you okay?” I asked her, ignoring her question.
“Nuh huh, Blaize, answer the damn question. We’ll worry about my mental health later.”
I sighed, running my hands through my hair. “I am. I’m sorry. If Kadence doesn’t want anything to do with me, I have to accept it. I hurt her. My pain and grief is causing me to hurt everyone I love.”
She beamed wickedly. “And thank you.” She pulled out her phone. “I am saving that for my record for when you’re a fucking idiot. I’m fine. I’m in a better headspace now. Just so you know, Kadence and I didn’t have sex.”
I didn’t know if I should be relieved or pissed off at myself even more. “I wouldn’t be mad if you did.”
“Yeah right. You were pissed, but didn’t have a right to be pissed. Kadence couldn’t do it.”
I didn’t know how that should make me feel. Now I knew why she said what she said. “Why are you telling me this?”
“Because it’s time for you both to stop being stubborn. Kadence is hurting, and you are suffering. It’s time to talk. It’s been a month. I know Kadence wants you to hurt, but at this point, you both need to talk. She can stab you later.”
I rolled my eyes. “Kadence is having nightmares that include me. I know what I did in her reality, so I can only imagine what I’m doing in her dreams.” I sighed, rubbing my temples. “These emotions are why I keep my shields up.”
“Yeah, and maybe that’s why Olivia brought Kadence into your life.” I glanced at her, and she shrugged. “You are a lover at heart, Blaize. You loved Olivia and Charlee. And burned the world for them. You and Kadence had an instant connection.”
“I don’t like this version of Hunter.”
She laughed. “Call me the matchmaker. I am also sick and tired of dealing with your drunk ass. You deserve to be happy—after Kadence also kicks your ass for hurting her like you did. Ialso am selfish and eventually want that threesome, so I’ll play my cards right.”
“I’m going to see her tomorrow. Drew told me to.”
“Annika is going to murder you the moment you walk into her apartment.”
I shrugged. “It is what it is. I’m done being a coward.”
“Do you want me to go with you? I can keep them distracted.”
I scrunched my nose. “You’re not sleeping with your brother's girlfriend so I can talk to Kadence.”
“First off.” She made a gagging noise. “I love Drew, but I am not eating pussy where…anyways. I’ll be there as a buffer for you two. Kadence trusts me, so I can help you talk to her.”
I contemplated it. “No. I’ll be okay. I need to do it myself.”
“M’kay. I’m going to see Everly. Don’t need me for anything.”
“Why do you sleep with her?” It was something I’d been curious about for a while now, but never asked.
“She doesn’t want anything serious—just sex and pain. My type of girl. She was a trooper when I showed up at her house after I brought you home.”
I looked at her. We both knew how kink worked, and using it to cope when we were triggered wasn’t the correct way to do it. “Hunter, did you hurt her?”
