Page 60 of Ache
He saved me in so many ways.
I stare at the lights of downtown Chicago from the luxurious hotel room. The Riverwalk below is bustling with people and twinkling with life. It’s strange being back here. I never thought I’d return. Yet, here I am, with the past hot on my heels.
“Whatcha lookin’ at out there?” Alec leans on the window next to me.
“I’m looking at a lifetime’s worth of pain and suffering.”
“I’m sorry for that.” He inches closer and cups my chin, swiping his thumb back and forth across my cheek.
“I thought it was all behind me.”
“It will be.”
“Alec, I’m sorry.”
“For what?”
“Dragging you into my shit. Into all my problems.”
“You didn't drag me into anything. You didn’t know.”
“I didn’t. And if I did, I would have stayed away.”
“I wouldn’t have let you. Shit or not, I want to be with you. In a short amount of time, you have given me so much. Changed so much. We’ll get through this. And it’ll be you and me on the other side.” He pauses, considering something. “You, me, and Tage,” he corrects.
I look at Alec with so much love and admiration in my heart. He is so strong. So confident. Totally cocky. And he loves me unconditionally even though there is another man in my life.How did I get so fucking lucky? How did this happen?I’m still trying to figure it out. I just know every second that ticks by, I’m bonded to these two men in inexplicable ways. They are quickly
becoming the foundation of my lifeforce.
“I love you,” I declare softly.
“I love you more.” Alec kisses me gently, sweetly, wholeheartedly, earnestly.
I sigh against his mouth.
I can do this. As long as he’s here, I can do anything.
23
Tage
The sound of running water wakes me up.
Alec is knocked out on his side of the king-sized bed and Everly is missing.
I find her standing under the spray, hair soaked, arms crossed. Her gaze is distant and the look of her breaks me apart.
“It’s a little late for a shower.” I open the glass door and she jumps from surprise.
“I couldn’t sleep.”
“Want some company?”
Everly shrugs.
I drop my drawers and step into the steaming shower. Christ Almighty, the water’s hot. So much so her skin is scalding red.
“Jesus, baby,” I turn the temperature of the water down slightly. “You’re going to give yourself third degree burns.” I touch her chest lightly.
