Page 62 of Bound By Ink

I mutter and stumble my way through everything that happened tonight.

“So, are you and Killian together?”

“I think so, but he went home.” I drop my head again, feeling overwhelmed and a little lost. “He needed to sort something out. He got hurt tonight, so he had to get his ribs looked at. Said he’ll come by tomorrow.” Steven nods and pulls me to him.

“You’ll be okay, kiddo.” I give him a heartfelt smile. Emotionally, I’ve been through the wringer tonight. I’m just hoping that everything will be okay.

“Thanks, Steven. I’m exhausted. I’m gonna go to bed.”

He smiles, and I step out of the room and head upstairs. In my bedroom, I undress and rip the covers back. I slip between them, exhausted from the evening’s events. My head barely touches the pillow before I fall into a deep, heavy sleep, hoping it will last.

Killian

Chapter 33

When I drop Scott off, I feel like I’ve left a piece of my heart behind. But I need to get checked out, it’s the sensible thing to do. I don’t think my ribs are broken, but I’d be a fool not to get checked. I can’t help smiling, though, turning the music up as I drive. Nothing can dull my mood. I fucking love him, and he chose me. He’s mine. I can’t bring myself to feel anything less than ecstatic; my heart is full. I love him, and he loves me.

Ipull up at the hospital and step out. Getting triaged is quicker than I thought, and I wait to see the doctor. I’m there a couple of hours, waiting for X-rays, my lip will heal, and the bruising will fade. I’m given the all clear, just bruised, nothing broken. It’s all tender, but it could have been so much worse. I head home to grab a power nap and to get ready for tomorrow—the first day of the rest of my life with the man I love.

I wake early after only a few hours’ sleep, excited to get the day started. I take my time in the bathroom, grooming and tidying everything, and I meaneverything. Then I’m at my wardrobe, contemplating what to wear. I know Scott won’t give a fuck, but I want to look good for him. I want him to feel everything when I turn up at his house.

After rubbing my hands through my hair, giving it that artfully dishevelled look, I grin at the mirror, giddy like first-date nerves. I love this. It feels exciting, like everything has finally fallen into place. I spray myself with his favourite aftershave, and I pick up my keys and wallet, whistling as I stride out to my car.

I head to the bougie sandwich shop, the nice one, further into town. The one where Dickheaddoesn’twork. I grab all his favourites: coffee, pastries, and cake. And I get the bagels he loves.

In my car, I place all the bags on the front seat. Smiling again, I drive to his house, where I want to curl up in bed with him, have breakfast, and stay there all day, just wrapped in each other’s arms. Erasing everything that’s happened up to this point and claiming every inch of him. It’s been too long since I’ve felt his skin on mine.

I pull up outside the house, grab all the bags and drinks, and stride confidently towards the door. Then I ring the bell and wait.

Scott

Chapter 34

I wake feeling more tired than ever. Although I passed out when my head hit the pillow last night, I was restless; I kept waking, my mind racing. I wanted to call Killian, but after everything, I need to just wait.

He said he’s coming by today, so I climb out of bed and head to the shower, wanting to look good when he arrives, leaving my hair more natural. I know he likes the waves in it. After shaking my head, I check myself in the mirror. The purple bruise on my face and the cut from my glasses are shocking. There’s an uncertainty hanging in the air. I’m tentative about it all, but hopefully, when we finally see each other, it will all get sorted. We will be together, and we can start over. I hope he can forgive the confusion and indiscretions.

Because I want him, I’vealwayswanted him. I convinced myself it was nothing more than an inappropriate, one-sided crush on my almost-brother. And I suppose that was the reality for so many years. That moment of vulnerability when I threw myself at him and everything changed between us was simultaneously one of the lowest moments but also the best moment of mylife. I know now I should never have gone back to Derren repeatedly. It was always Killian. I just didn’t feel worthy. How could someone like him actually want someone like me for more than a quick fuck? I shake my head at my stupidity.

My phone buzzes, and I’m smiling like an idiot as I grab it. As I turn the screen, my face drops, and the blood rushes from me. My head spins, and I grab for the bed, sitting on the corner of it.

Derren:I’m outside

Scott:It’s over, Derren

Derren:I knw pls just 5 mins

Scott:No, Derren, I’m sorry.

Derren:I jst wanna say sry pls

I sigh, toss my phone on the dresser, thinking that, even though he hurt me, I probably owe him an honest conversation. Allow him to say sorry to give us both closure. I head downstairs and slowly walk along the path, my arms wrapped protectively around myself.

“Derren.” I offer him a tight-lipped smile.

“Baby,” he slurs.

“Oh my God, Derren, are you drunk?”