Page 49 of Shattered

But somehow, Alek had broken through.I wouldn’t call him my knight in shining armor because let’s face it, our story was not your typical fairy tale, far from it. But he was able to break down all my defenses and show me a new way of life.

I was different with him.

He protected me, made me feel safe.Admittedly, the way he’d gone about it in the beginning was odd, to say the least, but over time, I’d come to understand his incessant need to follow through on his promise to my grandmother.Especially after he told me what happened to his sister.

I was so caught up in my own thoughts I hadn’t even notice Kael and Adara were no longer next to us.Alek and I danced to another song before making our way off the dance floor and back to our private VIP section.

Kael was the only one sitting in our designated area.“Where did Adara go?” I asked, reaching for the last of my drink.I’d worn my hair down, which was clearly a mistake.Gathering the long strands, I pulled them away from my neck, welcoming the shot of cool air which danced over my skin.

“She went to the ladies room.She should be back any minute.Are you guys ready to head out soon?”Kael wasn’t tired; I could tell simply by looking at him.No, he wanted to take his wife home and do exactly what I wanted to do with Alek.

“How about one more drink before we go?” Alek asked, already taking a step toward the bar.

“You know I can’t refuse you, man.Yeah, what the hell.One more drink to end the night.None of us are driving, so it can’t hurt.”His eyes lurked around the room, desperately trying to catch a glimpse of his woman.

“Sara, do you want another one?”

“Yes, please,” I shouted before he disappeared into the crowd.

I sat down next to his good friend to wait for the return of our significant others.I had never been alone with Kael before, mainly because there was never a situation which called for it.I wasn’t uncomfortable or anything…it was just new.I was aware Alek trusted him wholeheartedly; otherwise, he would have never left me alone with him.Either way, Alek trusted at least one other male around me.It was small progress, although, he was coming around to the idea of Matt, as well.I’d seen it whenever I mentioned his name or talked to him on the phone.Alek didn’t flinch as much or make any of the numerous scrunched, aggravated faces he used to.

“Sara, I have to tell you. I’ve known that man practically my whole life, and I have never seen him act the way he does when he’s with you.He seems like a different person.”

“Is that a good thing?” I asked tentatively.

He hesitated for a minute and my heart hit my stomach.Why was he stalling to answer my question?Before I could have a full-on attack of nerves, he spoke up.

“Yes, it’s a good thing.Sorry, I didn’t mean to hesitate.It’s just…he’s never talked about anyone as much or as often as he talks about you.I can tell he’s truly smitten, and after getting to know you some, I can definitely see why.”He smiled, doing his best to make me feel relaxed after almost freaking me out.

“So, whydidyou hesitate?”

“While I’ve never seen him so happy, I’ve also never seen him so wound up and intense before, either.He’s constantly worried about you, worried some other guy is going to try and swoop in and steal you from him.It really bothers him. A lot.”

So Alek is a little insecure, as well?Good to know I’m not on this island by myself.

“I’ve never seen him act jealous before, either.Out of the two of us, he was the one who was always so laid-back, letting things roll off him.Even when Cora cheated on him, he just brushed it off, dumped her and moved on with his life.I swear he never looked back.But with you…it’s completely different.”Kael took a quick breath before continuing.“So yes, it’s a good thing.But go easy on my man and try not to give him a heart attack too early.”

He chuckled lightly at his own joke and I would have joined him’ however, I was too caught up by the mention of some Cora person I’d never heard of before.

Deliberating whether or not I should ask, I deemed I couldn’t hold my tongue for one more second.I knew if I waited and asked Alek, he would either not want to talk about it or brush off the question with a general answer.No, if I wanted some info, I had to pry it from his unknowing participant of a friend.

“Who’s Cora?”My question was short and sweet.

Kael blurted out the answer quicker than he could even think to falter, probably because he was taken completely by surprise.

“Cora was Alek’s ex-fiancée.”

My breath caught in my lungs, suffocating me as my brain tried to compute the reality of his words.

Ex-fiancée?Is this really happening?More secrets?

Right after the statement left his mouth, he looked instantly regretful.His next question was gaged solely from my facial expression, which was one of utter shock.“He didn’t tell you about her yet, did he?” he mumbled hesitantly.

“Nope.”I had nothing left to say.

~27~

Sara

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