Page 50 of Crimson Tears

His voice has a hint of amusement in it, but also anger. Rightfully so too, I was way out of line.

“There was an incident and I thought she was trying to embarrass me. My father got in my head about it. I made a mistake. Her men made sure I paid for it, but it was Evie who took pity on me.”

I make a turn and chance a look at Cillian. I can’t read his expression though, which makes my hands feel sweaty for some reason.

“Evie allowed a fair fight, and when I lost, she stepped back. After that, I heard of an attack on the island and decided I wanted to be on her side. Very few people in this world give second chances, and I wanted to be on the side that asked questions first before getting all murdery.”

Cillian laughs. “Murdery, eh?”

“It’s a word,” I say defensively. “Shut up.”

My fist connects with his shoulder, and he lets out a groan I’m not sure is all pain. As we get closer to the house, my face starts to fall.

This is my home too, and I don’t want to walk around like a kicked puppy. I want to be able to figure this out. I pull back into the garage and notice the McLaren Shark sitting at the end.

“Is that yours?”

“Sure is. She’s a beast.”

I snort. “She couldn’t take Flair for even a quarter mile, guarantee it.”

“Veronica could totally take this outdated American car. You name the time and place and we will be there.” He throws out his hands in a challenge.

“Veronica?”

“Flair?”

“Okay, you have a point,” I say as I cut the engine. “But Veronica is such a petty girl's name.”

He shrugs as he opens his door. “I am quite petty.”

Once we’re in the house, the mood transitions from playful banter to dread quite fast. I don’t want to go back to my room, but I need to get a little bit of sleep before Evie arrives in a few hours.

With a sigh, I head to the kitchen to make some tea, hoping it will help me relax. I’m not shocked in the least when Cillian follows me.

“I heard everything he said.”

That makes me pause mid-reach for my tea box.

“I didn’t tell him he needed to leave for me to be here. In fact, I tried to make it clear it was the opposite.”

I turn to face him, finding him only a foot away from me.

“I won’t say I’m upset to have a chance with you, but I am sorry for the storm that has entered your life because of me coming back into it.”

I don’t have words. Never in a million years did I think Cillian would be the one to come to me about this. Just like I never thought Boris would come around to the idea, even if part of me still hoped he would.

“I see how you need us both in different ways. I see where our love for you combined only makes you shine brighter. I understand what you need, and I vow to find a way to give it to you. You deserve everything, Sweetheart.Everything.”

Without thought, my lips meet his, and the dam in my soul breaks. All the love I thought I lost when he disappeared comes rushing back through me, filling me to the brim. I can still feel Boris’ love in there too. Together, it feels like every hope and dream I could have conjured up.

Our mouths move together with a familiarity, as if they were never apart. And the frayed edges of my heart seem a little less painful.

Our breaths tangle together and my face grows damp, but I don’t care. My first love is in my arms, and I never plan on letting him go ever again.

When we pull back, my hand ghosts over my lips. I can still feel the warmth of his kiss there. The smile he wears is sogenuine and delicate that I feel like I can fully breathe again for the first time in years.

Then, the reality of what we just did slaps me in the face like a cold cup of water.

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