Page 139 of Silent Screams

I know that now.

Guilt. Damon spoke of guilt. And I feel it too. It’s been a while, but it’s back in full force. So much guilt. So much loyalty.

But I think of him loving Claire and my feelings for Damon.

He lifts his head and stares at me for a few seconds before wheeling back. His eyes bloodshot red—he’s crying.

God, it’s probably the first time he’s let himself express his emotions for so long. No wonder he’s all over the place. He’s too scared to make a change in his life to see how good it could be.

No matter what happens between us, I still intend to buy him a modified car he can drive with the money I’m saving up.

“Why’re you looking at me like that, Gemma?”

“Like what?”

“Like you’refuckingdone with us!”

“We just... we need space, Harv. Admit it.”

“No! Fuck your space—pick right now! You should be able to choose—me or him—it’s me or him!”

Him.

The conviction of my thoughts is deeply rooted in my mind. I can picture those chocolate eyes vividly. And I know I want to stare into them every single day.

“Him. Or me. I swear to God, if you pick him, I don’t know what I’ll do—”

I grab his hand, then gaze at his forearm, his phoenix tattoo taking me back to the night we met.

And I wish upon a star that being reborn is such a thing. That time can heal all wounds.

I want him to be happy. He deserves it, even if it’s not with me.

“Gemma.” He shakes his head and wraps his arms around my waist.

And while I should be soaring, flying from the height of an eagle, with his arms wrapped around me. ..

All I feel is the emptiness of a dark shadow and the impending doom of my decision.

TO BE CONTINUED . . .

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