Page 96 of Mine to Ruin

“Are you leaving me?” he asks, panic ringing in his voice like a gong.

He halts and before everything turns black, I say, “You left me first.”

Chapter 30

Kian

I have never been defeated in any ring or cage fight, but her words knock me out. I crawl into bed next to her, holding her to me. Why am I so fucking bent on being miserable? She murmurs my name in her sleep, gutting me.

I kiss her hair and stride to the walk-in closet to pack a bag for us. Kendrick calls again, and this time I pick up.

“How is she?”

“Sleeping. Thank you for looking after her.”

“Yeah, no problem, man.” His words may say something, but his tone reveals simmering anger.

“Still mad at me?”

He sighs and says, “She is the best thing that’s ever happened to you, and you’re screwing it up. I can’t understand you.”

“Me either.” I let out a sardonic chuckle.

“Stop being jealous of Brandon. These two are friends and nothing more.”

“I can’t help myself.” I want one thing just for myself. I want her just for myself. Her to love only me. I’m a sick bastard.

“Then you will lose her. Maybe that will serve you right.”

I hang up, and her phone rings, and I snatch it to shut it off, but notice my brother’s name on the display. I answer with a snarl, “Yes?”

“I wanted to check on her.”

“She’s asleep, and as she lives with me, you could have asked me.”

“Fuck, Kian, I have no idea how to talk to you.”

A pang of guilt hits my chest. He doesn’t deserve my anger. It was my choice. “Thank you for taking care of her.”

A pause follows, and he says, “I care about her, and I gave this a lot of thought. You either accept our friendship, or you don’t.”

“Grew some balls, did you?” If I weren’t this unbalanced, I would be proud of him.

“No, I am just tired of walking on eggshells around you.”

“Good night, little brother.”

“That’s the first time you’ve called me that.” He gasps, and I drag a hand down my face.

“I could never forget,” I say before he asks me more, then I hang up.

I slide next to her and pull her to me, wrapping my hands around her. I can’t lose her. I love her too much. I’ll even share her love with my brother. This is how madly in love I am with her.

Chapter 31

Ellia

The pounding in my temples wakes me up. I groan and swear never to touch alcohol again. I squint my eyes as the sun attacks my vision, and I shut them again.

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