Page 96 of The Chemistry of Us

My choices.

Consuming every last part of me since the first time I set eyes on her.

“Come here.” I motioned with my finger.

When she didn’t listen, I pulled her toward me instead, making her straddle my lap. She didn’t say a word, but she didn’t have to.

Her eyes spoke for themselves. “Why are you doing this to me? Is this just another scheme to get your way?”

“You know that’s not true.”

“Which part?" Her voice remained sturdy and strong, though the tormented expression on her face gave away her anguish.

I didn’t respond, listening intently.

“Do you know I’ve hated my birthday until today?”

“At least I did something right.”

“Why would you do that to me back? How could you hurt me like that when you’d already hurt me enough?”

I winced. Her admitting that was worse than already knowing it. “You want me to forgive you, but it’s so hard to do that. You pushed me away and completely dropped out of my life.”

I didn’t think I’d get a second chance to make things right, and I wasn’t going to waste another minute without her by my side.

Looking deep into her glossy gaze, I finally had to tell her the truth...

My heart pounded against my chest.

Loud.

Hard.

Beating into my head.

“For years, Vaughan, I hated you.”

“You don’t mean that. I understand. Trust me, I’m livid that my father would pull this stunt just to keep us apart.”

“I hate that you made me feel so alone for so many years. I hate that I missed you every single day you weren’t with me. I hate that I felt like I was this pathetic girl chasing you around, hoping you would love her.”

“I fucked up. I know that. Don’t you think I know that? I lost you too, Tru.”

“I would have fought for you against them. You know that, right? Like you ruined me for every other man who came into my life. You know that too, right?”

Tru

Before the lastword flew out of my mouth, he was in my face, slamming his lips against mine and kissing me with a force I never expected.

“Van...” I rasped into his mouth. “I hate you. I hate that I can’t stop loving you, dreaming about you, wanting a future with you...”

He growled, sticking his tongue past my lips. I yanked my lips away from his, thrashing around, desperately wanting to get out of his arms, but he wouldn’t let me. He held me tighter while both of us tried gaining control over the other.

He gently kissed all over my face, caressing me softly, showing me what I needed to feel. I surrendered to him.

To us.

“I’m sorry, Tru. I’m so sorry. Do you hear me? I’ve always wanted you. You’re all I ever wanted. Just you. No one else but you.”

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