Page 31 of Ache
“Explain.”
I want to slink under the table in embarrassment.
“I’m sorry, I don’t know what got into him.”
“Who is he?”
“A very old acquaintance.” I don’t even want to use the word friend at the moment.
“And you were acquainted how?” Alec never pulls a punch.
I don’t want to launch into my past. It’s so fucking messy. And it’s something I’m not even supposed to talk about. That was the deal.
“Remember how I told you my parents were gone?”
“Yes.”
“Well, Tage sort of stepped in and took care of me during a very tumultuous time in my life. He’s sort of like the big brother I never wanted.”
No, I never saw him as a big brother. He was my first love and an epic heartbreak. Being in his presence is physically taxing. My soul still calls out to him, but he made it clear we could never have a life together.We were never meant to be together.It’s taken me years to come to terms with that, and truth be told, today, for the first time, my emotions didn’t shatter when I saw him. I think Alec is filling the void inside of me faster than I could have imagined. Than I could have anticipated. He’s the new beginning I so desperately needed.
And I like it. I want it. I want him. “He’s no one you have to worry about. I promise. He’s just protective.” I reach across the table and grab his hand.
“He doesn’t need to be protective anymore. You have me now.” Alec squeezes my fingers. The gesture makes my heart swell.
“I’ll make sure he gets the message.” I smile. “Loud and clear.”
13
Alec
Overprotective is an understatement when it comes to Everly. The woman has completely invaded. She’s all I think about when we’re not together, dream about when she’s not in my bed, taste when I’m not kissing her.
It’s been one solid week we’ve officially been ‘dating’, and my life feels complete. I have come to realize she’s the piece I didn’t even know was missing.
“Alec Prescott?” A woman’s voice beckons me on the street as I reach for the door handle of a black sedan.
I look over to find a nice-looking, middle-aged woman in a white suit standing on the sidewalk next to me.
“Yes?”
Her lips twist up.
“Mr. Prescott, you’ve recently become somewhat of an interest to several of my associates.”
“And which associates might that be?” I ask suspiciously.
The woman just smiles wryly. “Those names will be revealed in due time. For now, I have a proposition for you.”
“Do you now?”
“I do.”
“I don’t have time for propositions. If you need a lawyer, call my office. The secretary will set you up.” I jerk open the door.
“Yes, it’s the secretary they’re most intrigued with.”
That stops me dead in my tracks.
