Page 44 of Forgotten Prejudice

“I know. That’s why I’m here, to apologize and to promise you it won’t happen again.”

He narrowed his brows at me, his expression skeptical. “Why should I believe you?”

I let go of his wrist but moved closer, careful not to step on any photo while doing so. “Because… because I love you, Soren.”

I realized I loved him this week when I couldn’t bear to be away from him. And while I hoped my confession would shift something inside of him, it didn’t, and he remained looking at me with cold eyes.

“But you love him, too, don’t you?”

Kai.

Stunned at his words, I didn’t know what to say. Soren confused my lack of response for an answer and quickly brushed my hand off before taking a step back.

“I know I sound like a pitiful man, but I refuse to be someone’s second choice,” he said, not meeting my eyes. “Now, then, I’d appreciate it if you’d go.”

My heart sank with the thought of leaving and never seeing Soren again.

“But you’re not. You’re my first choice, Soren, my only choice. I don’t love him, not anymore.”

He glanced at me. “So why did you stay with him that night? Why didn’t you come back home with me?”

Home.

The way he referred to his condo as our home was a direct dart to the heart.

“He needed me, so I stayed.”

Soren placed his hands on his hips and diverted his look away before returning his eyes to me. “I needed you, too, but he was more important than me. Wasn’t he?”

Until now, I didn’t realize Soren needed me. I mean, why would he? He was perfect while I was just a messy kid, or so I thought. For the first time, I saw a hint of a different side to him, one that was far from perfect and composed. A pitiful man, like he said, who was scared to be left alone. Truth was, I loved this side even more because I could relate to his depression.

“Will you stop meeting him?” he then asked.

“Would it help you trust me?”

He averted his look and took a moment to think before nodding. “Yes.”

It was a big request. “You know, we’re not even friends anymore.”

“It doesn’t matter.” He cut into my words. “Will you not see him again?” Holding my stare, Soren’s silver eyes pierced into me.

He seemed so off-balance. Whether it was his clothes that weren’t as neat as always, the shreds of hair that fell over his brows, or the photos he’d taken off his wall. He was clearly hurt, and his pain was like a love confession to me. The fact he loved me so much that me not coming home with him had led him to this—it was worrying, but I was just as desperate for him, and knowing we were equals felt good.

I held my fist close to my body and exhaled slowly before looking at him with a straight face. “If that’s what you want, then yes. I won’t see him ever again.” Kai was in the beginning of his recovery anyway. “I’ll do anything you ask me to.” If letting go of Kai would bring Soren back to me, I was willing to do that. “I’d do anything, Soren.”

Finally, Soren seemed to be pleased with me as a slight smile pulled on his lips.

He crossed the room, stopping before me. “Do you mean it?”

I nodded, and his smile grew.

He hooked his finger under my chin and forced it up. “We’re going to have sex tonight.”

My breath caught.

“W-What?” I gasped at the sudden switch in his demeanor.

“I want to own you completely, little Sparrow.” He caressed his thumb along my jawline. “But first, you’ll need to clean up for me.”