Page 47 of Echoes

"But you're the only one I want to be balls deep in, Avery. The only one I'd kill for."

"You'd kill for Damon," I point out confidently.

He nods. "Yes, but that's because of the bigger picture. I'd kill just to make you smile."

I can't help but smile at him. Perhaps I'm insane after all. Normal people get confessions of love. I get confessions of murder.

"But where do we go from here?" I ask nervously.

Grey frowns, leaning down to bring our bodies and faces closer together. "Here's your chance to be honest with both of us. Are you still going to be with Ashwood?"

My chest aches painfully. Swallowing hard, I nod slowly. "I can't give him up, Grey. I don't want to. And I don't want to give you up either."

He says nothing in return, that little voice of panic inside telling me to lie, to say what I know he wants to hear so hedoesn't leave me. But I ignore it, trying to accept the fact that he will walk away again. But at least this time, I will have been honest with him. You can't have a relationship built on lies and distrust.

"I see," Grey mutters, deep in thought.

I reach between us, placing my hand on his chest. "Just tell me what I have to do to keep you. I'll do anything else. Anything."

Grey lifts his hand up, closing his fingers around my wrist. I can already feel my heart shattering, waiting for his rejection.

As he grabs my hand firmly, I get ready for him to break our connection, but surprisingly, he lifts our hands higher, placing my palm over his beating heart.

"This cold, black thing beats for you, Avery."

Hope starts to bloom in my chest, my finger tips pressing into his sternum as I desperately cling to his touch. "Really?"

He gives a singular nod. "I don't know how to make it work… yet. I want to kill him. I've thought about it every single day since I saw you together."

My mouth feels dry as confliction sends me into mental whiplash.

"But," he sighs. "I'lltrymy best not to kill him. That's the best I can offer right now. Besides, it's more protection for you, I guess."

I stare at him wide-eyed, fighting back tears. A war of emotion battles inside me, but this is a win. It's a huge win and I'll take whatever I can get.

"Grey," my voice breaks. I fling my arms around his neck, burying my face into his chest. He drops his arms and curls them around my back, and I notice how he visibly relaxes in my hold too.

"I'm not saying it will be easy," he mumbles into my hair. "And I'll be speaking tohim. But he gets credit for looking out for you."

I nod against him, pulling back to look at him. He still looks pained at the idea, but at the same time, I feel that connection between us growing again.

He's back.

"Theo knows about us," I tell him slowly, checking for his reaction. "He wasn't mad."

I don't know why I'm telling him this. Maybe to inspire him… or comfort him. Or protect Theo.

"That you know of," Grey answers bluntly. "Have you relayed the specifics?"

I recoil slightly. "Well, no… he was trying to figure out what was going on when I got back from the police station."

"I suggest you start there," he says sharply. "Perhaps give him the same courtesy of knowing the full situation."

"I will," I murmur, nodding softly.

Grey's eyes flash before he takes a step back. I gaze at him perplexed, worried that I've said something to upset him.

"Before you do," he replies firmly. "I need to even the score."

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