Page 62 of Bound to You

The glass on the table wobbles as he crosses his ankles, resting his feet on the table. I almost jump to save the glass before it tumbles to the ground, wanting to preserve any trace of my girl.

“Just wondering if Isla likes to be tied up with those pretty little ribbons of hers.” Rafael tests my patience.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” I realize my mistake as soon as the words leave my mouth.

“Maybe Leo and I could go see her at the bar tonight and find out.” Leo’s eyes glitter at the prospect, his smile downright feline.

“Fuck right off.” I know they’re just trying to get a rise out of me, and it’s working. My tether is short when it comes to Isla. “She’s off limits, to any of you.”

“Woof woof. When did you go all alpha wolf?” Leo laughs

“Relax, man.” Heath lights a cigar passing it to me.

I take a deep inhale, letting the smoke invade my lungs.

“God he’s like a feral cat when it comes to her,” Leo teases.

“Oh, are we just pretending you’re not like a dog in heat when you see Alessia,” I throw back.

“No one can ignore Alessia though,” Rafael says, running a hand down his face. “Dunno if it’s worth the crazy that comes with her though.”

“Okay, light me up.” Leo gestures to Heath, resigning to Rafael’s taunting.

Alessia has been Leo’s regular hookup for as long as I can remember. She lives here in Ruby Cove, but occasionally goes to see him out of town when she’s bored, and they always meet up when he’s home. It’s been ongoing, but it’s anything but serious. I’ve seen the two of them together, and it’s nothing but sexual attraction between them. But that does nothing to ease Raf’s teasing.

I crack a window open, letting some of the smoke drift into the cool night, before picking up that glass and taking it to the kitchen, not wanting it to get knocked over.

“Well, for what it’s worth I’m happy for you Caio, for as long as it will last.” Heath mutters the last part beneath his breath, voicing my biggest concern.

Leo lets out a cloud of smoke. “Do you think she’d consider staying?”

“I know May is thinking about it,” Heath adds.

“I honestly don’t know, she hasn’t mentioned anything about it,” I inhale once again. “I don’t want to push her on it, but everything in me wants to hang on and not let go.” I voice my honest thoughts, not sure what I’m seeking. Is it honest opinions? Some sense knocked into me? Or just some comfort in my confusion?

How am I meant to survive her leaving when I struggle to simply breathe when she’s not near?

I’ve always been able to talk to these guys seriously, no judgement. We’ve seen each other through each of our dark days, no matter how much we terrorize each other, we’ll always show up for each other.

“You need to figure out if she’s what you really want, and what the reality of you two would look like,” Heath says. “Figure out what you’re willing to lose, and if you decide she’s worth it, then give it your all man, because the worst thing you can do is walk away with regrets.” He drains the rest of his glass, sitting back in his chair gazing at the roof.

We haven’t heard about any of Heath’s past relationships before he moved here, but something tells me he’s speaking from experience.

“I think she’s worth it.”

Leo sits quietly, inhaling deep drawls of his cigar, all of his attention focused on his actions.

“So what’s the plan Leo?” I ask.

“Hm?”

“You going back to work anytime soon?”

“Eager to get rid of me already?” He smiles.

“You know that’s not it, but you’re never home for this long,” I say.

Health and Raf are quiet in their seats, all of us curious as to what’s going on with our friend.

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