Page 103 of Moth to a Flame

Vince is about to ask another question, when Landon begins to spill everything about our relationship, other than the murders he committed.

Then he tells us about himself.

He’s concise when he tells us about his abstinence theory, how he thought he could keep from losing his mind that way. He ends it by clarifying that I’m his and that Vince shouldn’t worry.

“The end,” Landon summarizes his story unceremoniously.

It’s hard to breathe. To think. It’s so much to take in.

“That’s why you’ve been so invested in Moth to a Flame?” Vince sounds surprised. “You knew you didn’t want to be in a relationship, that you’d be miserable and lonely, and the dating app would be a constant reminder of how miserable you are?”

“Yes.” That’s all Landon has to offer us. Ayes.

While Vince is surprised, I’m heartbroken. How painful it must’ve been for him. To condemn himself to a life of solitude while forcing himself to watch other people pairing up. Living their best kinky or love-filled life.

The jealous side of me does a little happy dance on the inside. As selfish as it is, I’m grateful that he hasn’t been searching for anyone else. That I was his first and only one from Moth to a Flame.

It’s as if he’s been waiting for me.

The selfless side of me aches for him.

Had Landon chosen another path, he probably would’ve married someone years ago. He’d have had a family. He wouldn’t have forced himself into suffering or solitude or avoiding anything he might love.

He’s been missing out on so much.

Fourteen years of happiness.

The sins of the father—in his case, the mother—shouldn’t be visited upon the child.

He deserves better.

I’ll give him better for the rest of his life.

I’ll do everything to give this man the absolute best.

“It all makes sense now,” Vince mumbles while Landon watches over our Beef Wellingtons in the oven. “Why you shutdown the idea of going to the stock market with Moth to a Flame. Of course, you’d hate the SEC and investors breathing down your neck.”

The smile on my lips dies. “Stock market?”

Landon’s shoulders square. “Yes. That’s in the past.”

“Past?” I tilt my head, blurting the second question faster than he can answer the first one. “Are you doing this so you could spend more time with me? If that’s the case, don’t.”

“Regan…” Landon warns.

Thinking about it hurts, even though Vince is convinced it has nothing to do with me. Even though Landon said it was for a whole other reason.

“You love me, I know. But I’m not that important.”

“The fuck you are.” I’m in his arms and pressed to his hard body. Anger reverberates through his chest. “Out, Vince. Get the fuck out of our house.”

“Regan,” Vince ignores him, though I don’t think he’s coming any closer. “Nothing is your fault. No one blames you. It’s been settled a few days ago. It’s done. No one’s upset about it. I was just wondering what’s changed and if you’re okay. That’s all.”

Vince shouldn’t feel guilty. I should. I do. “I’m fine.”

“Not fine.” Landon, as always, sees through me, sensing my overwhelming guilt. “Vince, I won’t repeat myself. Get the fuck out. I’ll call you later.”

“Yeah, okay. I’m sorry.” Footsteps echo on the marble floor. The door closes.

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