Page 99 of Crave Me

I open the door more and step out of the way, welcoming Reid into the room. I don’t miss how her face lights up when he comes up next to her, and I try to stomp down the jealous rage that starts to consume me. Reid’s a great friend to both of us, and I temper my rash feelings, even if I’d kill for her to look at me like that again. I take a seat in the chair on the far side of the room to give them privacy without actually leaving and pull out my phone to check in with my siblings.

Me:

How is everyone?

Kins:

That’s a stupid question, we’re fine. How are you? How is Blaire?

Liam:

You guys need anything? We’ve been keeping Mom stocked with coffee but there were too many of us so they kicked us out and told us to only come one at a time

Me:

I’m not in a good place

Sawyer:

I’m in the waiting room. Reid’s got her. Come take a break.

Sighing, I stand, knowing my brother will come in here and drag me out if I don’t go out there willingly. Before leaving, I interrupt Blaire and Reid’s talk.

“I’ll give you two a few. I’ll be right back, baby. I love you,” I say loud enough for Reid to hear before kissing her forehead. I leave my woman in her hospital bed, with the large beast of a tattooed man protecting her. Because I know he will with his life. Whether he believes it or not.

I walk through the hospital until I find the exit. Having not left the building, it takes me a minute to navigate my way outside. Thanks to the overcast skies, the light from outside isn’t as harsh on my eyes. I pull down the sleeves of my hoodie as the cold air hits me. Sawyer stands leaning against one of the large stone pillars holding up the awning, waiting for me.

“Surprised your wife isn’t with you, you’re usually not far from her. Can’t believe you have time for me.”

He turns to face me, the air crackling with tension, his demeanor changing before my eyes. His posture is rigid, and I can see the frustration flashing across his face. He squares his shoulders before talking, his voice thick with irritation.

“You need your ass beat or you want to talk it through? I got all day while Ivy works at Barrel House and I’m happy to do either.”

“I’m not leaving Blaire here alone, so you can go fuck yourself if you think I’m going to Dom’s.”

“I would do anything for you, dumbass, and you fuckin’ know it. So, say what you gotta say, hit me if you need something to hit, but don’t you dare act like I don’t have your back. You may nothave seen me, but I’ve been here every goddamn day in case you needed me. Just like you were there for me when Ivy left.”

My shoulders slump inward, realization weighing on my already heavy conscience. I run my hand over my facial hair, which has grown out longer than I like to keep it. Sawyer walks up to me and pulls me into a hug.

“Shit, I know that, I’m just at a loss here,” I say, taking a step back. “I don’t know what to do anymore. I feel fucking broken.”

“Been there, brother. That’s why you’ve got us. So, you love her, huh?”

“More than anything.”

“This whole time?”

“From the moment I saw her sitting in your office. I tried to convince myself it was just sexual attraction, that fucking her would get it out of my system, but that just set it in stone. Once I had her . . .”

“She was yours. Whether she felt the same or not.”

“Yeah.”

“I get it. You know I couldn’t move on after Ivy left. She was endgame. Seems like Blaire’s yours.”

“She is. I just have to fix my fuckups and hope she’ll forgive me.”

If she doesn’t, I don’t know how I’ll ever recover from that loss.

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