Page 52 of Shattered

“Is there anything else you want to know?”

Thinking carefully, I chose my next words.“Do you have any hidden wives or children somewhere in the world I should know about?”

Although he was trying to lighten the conversation moments prior, his features locked up tight, proving just how serious he’d become.“No, I don’t.”

With a suspicious eye, I asked, “Are you sure?”

Because of the half-cocked look on my face, he relaxed a little.“Yes, I’m positive.The only wife and mother of my children I want is you.”

Not even possessing the mental strength to deal with such a comment, I decided I’d had enough for one evening.The only thoughts I allowed to consume me were those of climbing into my bed and escaping into the arms of a hopefully blissful sleep.Although, chances of that happening were slim to none.

“Alek, I’m really tired.If you don’t mind, I’m going to bed.”

“Okay then.Let’s go to bed.”He rose from the couch and moved toward the hallway.

What the hell?

“Um, excuse me.Where do you think you’re going?Don’t you think you should be going home now?I didn’t say you could stay here.”The man was great at testing my nerves.

He turned around briefly to let me know what he thought.“I’m not leaving you.I refuse to go anywhere when you’re still so vulnerable.I’m truly sorry for not mentioning that part of my life before, but I don’t want to put any distance between us now, physically or emotionally.And I know if I leave you here alone tonight, you’ll only stew in your anger and confusion and whatever else you’re feeling, and simply put…it isn’t good for our relationship.Plus, if you want to ask me any more questions, I’ll be right here to answer them for you.”

In all justification, I couldn’t argue with his reasoning for staying because not-so-deep-down, I knew he was right, about everything.So without further words, I locked up, turned off the lights, and preceded him to my room.

He was thoughtful enough to restrain himself.The only touching which came from him was when he wrapped his arms around me to pull me close as I fell into a restless sleep.

~28~

Alek

I cannot believe shit went down like that last night.What the fuck?While I’d been upset with Kael for telling Sara about Cora the way he did, my anger quickly dissipated.I knew I should’ve been the one to broach the topic.Should’ve done it weeks before.But I’d been afraid she would run, fearing I still had a closet full of skeletons, waiting to burst open and topple all over her.

There was only one other thing I hadn’t told her, but it wasn’t relevant to our relationship.It had nothing at all to do with her, so I chose to keep my mouth shut.Besides, it was too painful to bring up casually.

It was still early, a new pot of coffee brewing in order for me to chase away the rest of my sleep.I knew Sara would be sleeping for a little while yet, so I decided to place a call to my dear friend.

The phone rang five times before he picked up.I smiled at the sound of exhaustion in his voice.

“What the fuck, Alek, it’s five in the morning.”

“Yeah, well, rise and shine.”I allowed some time to pass before I spoke again.“Listen, I just want to tell you everything is, or will be, fine with Sara.While I was pissed you said something, I don’t blame you.Not at all.It was clearly my fault for not telling her earlier.”

“Well, I’m glad I don’t have to worry about you punching me the next time you see me.” He chuckled.

“Don’t get ahead of yourself.I never said there wasn’t going to be payback.”I was only half-kidding, of course.

“Yeah, yeah.Hey, did you tell her the full story of what happened?”

Grabbing the back of my neck and squeezing, I tried to rid the rising tension in my muscles at the mere mention of the situation.“No, I didn’t.There’s no reason for me to delve into it, Kael.What’s done is done.Nothing I can do to change it.”

“I guess you’re right.”

“Plus, I don’t want to bring up that bitch’s name ever again.I’ll never forgive her for what she did.Ever.”

“Yeah, it was beyond fucked-up, man.I’m sorry you’re even having to think about it right now.”

“Thanks,” I said, rounding the island to grab a fresh cup of coffee.“Listen, go back to bed.I’ll talk to you later.”

After I hung up, I brought the mug to my lips.As I turned around, the sight of Sara standing in the hallway startled me, causing drops of coffee to hit my bare chest.I jumped back and swore.

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