Page 150 of When The Night Falls

William hesitated. ‘Are you sure you want to know this?’

Aaron gritted his teeth. ‘Yes.’

William blew his cheeks out and rubbed his neck. ‘We slept together several months ago, before we even knew I was going to be her boss, and then feelings got involved, so when she came on to me last night, I couldn’t resist reciprocating.’

‘Feelings?’ Aaron echoed faintly, sounding both surprised and disappointed.

‘On my part, at least.’

William had never said that explicitly before, and it made my heart pulsate furiously. Even despite how sorry I felt for Aaron, elation warmed my chest and cheeks.

Aaron gazed away, nodding. ‘And let me guess – now you’re being a dick to her because you’re jealous of her and me?’

‘I’m not being a dick,’ William retorted.

Aaron watched him mockingly. ‘Then why is she crying?’

‘Because she was caught lying.’ William changed his posture, his stance becoming hostile. Waving his hand, he said, ‘Will you fuck off already?’

‘No.’

‘Aaron.’ I grimaced, dreading what I was about to say. I took a deep breath, gathering my strength. ‘You should leave.’

His eyes popped with shock. ‘I should leave?’

I winced. ‘Yes.’

He stared at me for several seconds, disbelieving, but since I revealed no sign of changing my mind, he eventually seemed to grasp that I meant it. Fixing his eyes on his bag beside my feet, he strode toward us. When he reached my side, I held my breath. My conflicting emotions were so intense that I thought I would be ripped apart. I hated that I was hurting him, and the fact that he had been defending me only made it worse.

Eluding my gaze, he put on his shoes, picked up his bag and hoisted it on to his shoulder.

‘Aaron, I’m so sorry,’ I said.

He shook his head and ripped the door open. ‘This is unbelievable. I hope you’ll be very happy together,’ he spat.

Without another word or so much as a glance at me, he walked out and slammed the door after himself. I flinched at the sound and stared after him, my tears coursing down my face.

‘Hey!’ Jason called. ‘Everything all right out there?’ The music grew quieter. ‘Get a move on, Will! We’re growing old waiting for you!’

I could hear that he was anxious. Aaron’s presence must have unsettled him.

‘Just continue without me!’ William replied and reached for my hand, but I recoiled from his touch.

‘Please, go back to the others,’ I said and avoided his gaze. Snuffling, I wiped my nose. ‘I’d like to be alone right now.’

He was quiet for some time, watching me intently.

‘You’re obviously not all right, but is there anything I can do? Other than leave you alone?’

I shook my head. ‘Thanks, though.’

When he still hadn’t left after several seconds, I looked up at him. ‘What is it?’

His eyebrows twitched, and his lips were set in a grave line. Slowly, he raised his hands and dried the traces of my tears.

‘I’m sorry I made you cry.’

I huffed. ‘You didn’t. This is all on me.’

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