Page 66 of Possession

“Why didn’t you tell me?” The words were tinted with hurt.

“I was going to.”

“I think I’ll clean up.” Declan’s mother stood and we both turned our heads to face her. “Don’t stop working things out on my account. I’ll just throw everything in the sink and make Kieran clean up.” She grabbed our bowls.

“I can help.” I made an effort to stand, but Declan tightened his grip on my hand.

“No, no. I’ve got it. Relax, you’re the guest.”

“We’ll be there in a few minutes, Mom.” He gave her a weak smile just before she left the room.

He let go of my hand and stood from the table.

“I didn’t want to ruin dinner, Declan. I was going to tell you tonight, after we left.”

He raised his hands to his temples and closed his eyes. My heart started to hammer, he’d been having more moments like this over the past few days.

“Have… have you been taking your meds like you’re supposed to?”

He didn’t answer and the wrinkles around his eyes multiplied the tighter he held them shut.

I stood and cupped his cheek with my palm. “What are they saying?” When his eyes opened they were filled with fog. “I’m right here.” I dropped my hold on his face and leaned in, placing my cheek on his chest.

The sound of his voice rumbled in my ear as he said, “It’s always the same. Some form of fucking doubt.”

“I was getting ready to come over tonight and I saw my wedding band. I got so caught up in us these past few weeks… I love you and… it was time, so I called him. I told him we needed to just be done with it. He was awful, just like always. He called me a whore…”

Declan went rigid and his right hand balled into a fist. “He called you a–”

“It doesn’t matter.” I pulled back and let our gazes collide. “I got what I wanted. He’s letting me go and I get you. I won.”

The rage in his eyes simmered to a calm gray.

“You have no reason to ever doubt us, Declan.”

His fist relaxed and his eyes cleared. “I’m sorry I got upset.” He kissed my cheek.

When he pulled away I asked, “Have you been missing doses?”

He dropped his eyes to the floor. “I have. I don’t always like how they make me feel, I’ve been good though, you make it easier to control.”

“Declan, it scares me when I see the light leave your eyes… I love you too much.” My fear for him choked me.

I could hear the loud clanging of pots and dishes from the kitchen as he pushed a few strands of my hair behind my right ear. He lifted my chin with his thumb. “I don’t ever want to scare you.”

“I’m not scared of you, Declan, I never have been. I’m scared I’ll lose you to the void.”

His eyes searched mine. “Sometimes, it’s easier to forget to take them, because then I can make believe I’m like every other guy. But I’m not, am I? And I fucking hate it.”

“I don’t want every other guy, I want you and all your colorful crazy.” I smiled and he tugged on my chin with a quiet laugh before he let go. “It’s who you are, but I want you to be healthy… present… here with me.”

“I promise.” He was serious. “I’ll take them every day.”

Declan kissed me softly, sealing his promise to my lips.

“Hey, Dex, when are you heading to The Gallery?” Liam asked as he walked into my station.

“Getting ready to leave. Why?”

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