Page 35 of Consume Me

“Don’t take it personally.”

That changes the mood instantly, the temperature turning icy.

“But you fucking took it personally, Blake.”

“Baby,” Celine tries, but he storms off while I watch him disappear out the door. I hurt him too, and guilt tears at my composure once again.

“I told Cassandra it wasn’t a good idea for me to return.”

“If you truly think that, then go. Fucking leave like we’re not your family.”

She stomps away. My head lowers as the door opens again, and Hunter comes inside.

I could fight this entire planet, but it would not be enough to make the hurt bearable. I abandoned them.

Needing an outlet for my suppressed emotions, I glare at him. “This is going to hurt.”

After a restless night, I wake up with a gasp, my chest heaving. Even hours later, I still feel his mouth pressed against mine, my lips tingling in response.

I fall back onto my bed, squeezing my eyes shut at the undeniable truth. Blake’s the one I ache for, the only one I want, yet he will never give himself to me.

The pain spreads through my chest––sick with love for him and a desire that feels unbearable. That’s nothing new in my Blake-invaded soul. I am so used to wanting what I can’t have. I have lived a hundred different love stories with him––alone, lying in my bed at night. During the two months he was gone, I filled his absence with dream-like scenarios playing out on the ceiling.

In my dreams, he loves me back, making me feel like the most special, luckiest girl alive.

In my dreams, he wants me. Needs me. He holds me tightand never lets me go.

In my dreams, I live my own happily ever after. It feels so real at times that only the tears streaming down my face remind me of the cruel and bitter reality my forlorn heart refuses to acknowledge.

I am acutely aware that I could never give myself to someone else as long as he’s near. And the worst thing is, the selfish asshole wouldn’t allow anyone else to have me either. The show he put on last night was clear proof.

Who would go in the ring with him for me? His reputation precedes him. Was it hot witnessing his possessiveness? It so was, even though I felt bad for Theo. My body hummed, and I couldn’t stop imagining what it would be like to feel Blake’s body pressed against mine with no choice but to take all the things he suppresses. He has played the damn role of the easy-going guy for so long, but I sensed from the start that something darker rippled just beneath the surface.

After changing into a cashmere sweater and jeans, I comb my hair. Opening my jewelry box, where I keep all my hair clips, I look at the one he gave me. It’s too precious to wear daily, so I select a green one instead, even though most of mine are violet—my favorite color. But when he left, every time I bought one, it was green. I missed him, so I won’t even deny why the color of his eyes always sent me spiraling into a hole of longing.

When I reach the kitchen island, I am surprised to find him there as well.

Seeing all my friends gathered, I hope we’ll overcome this strain. We have to—not just because we have to work together as a team, but because we only have each other. No one outside ourcircle could understand the legacy we carry, the secrets we share, and the responsibilities we deal with. That binds us for life.

“Who made breakfast?” I ask, looking at the plate of meat and cheese.

They all glimpse at Blake, who scratches his neck. “What? That’s the rule, right? The first to wake up prepares breakfast.”

“It looks delicious,” I rasp, sitting beside him because it’s the only seat left. Celine, Kaden, Abigail, and Dane are on the other side of the table, while my brother and Bailey are next to me. These two leave so much space between them that another two seats could fit, forcing Blake and me to sit so close our thighs brush.

He doesn’t look at me as he puts an assortment of cheese and salami on my plate. I swear everyone stops eating as they watch him.

“What now? Fuck off. Knowing you all, she was probably the one who made breakfast most of the time.”

Why is he like that? Why is he always reminding me he is the only one taking care of me?

A memory passes before my eyes. The image is so clear:I was baking the day everyone moved in with us after Dane set their house on fire. I was stressed out but found comfort in baking muffins afterward because I loved how he watched me and ate the batter. I warned him he might get a stomachache, but he never cared.

I offer a small thank you, and Kaden says, “After classes, I’m coming with you to the compound.”

“Okay,” Blake replies.

Something has shifted between them; they seem more agreeable to each other. Maybe some alone time and bonding will help these two stubborn guys get back to where they trust each other with their lives.

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