Page 71 of Shattering

"Cadi..." His voice was rough. "I would never hurt ya."

Cadi paused, her hand stilling on the spatula. "I know."

She turned the eggs slowly, her voice even. "It was an accident."

Gray's jaw tightened. "I still should've been more careful."

Cadi finally glanced over her shoulder. For a moment, she studied him—his furrowed brow, the tight set of his jaw, the way he gripped the kitchen island .

"I know," she repeated, softer this time.

Gray looked troubled, his fingers tightening around the countertop. But he didn't push.

Tomos appeared, fully dressed in his red-an'-black rugby uniform, his boots slung over his shoulder.

"Mom, we'll be late." he whined.

Cadi shook herself, forcing a small smile. "Have your eggs first."

Tomos wrinkled his nose. "No, not eggs."

"Toast then."

Tomos grabbed a slice from the plate, biting' into it. Then, turning to Gray, he eagerly asked, "Will you be here when I get back, Da?"

Gray's heart squeezed.

Cadi hesitated, then looked at Gray. "I have a clinic later this afternoon," she said carefully. "I'll be back soon."

A pause.

Cadi hesitated, then finally turned to look at Gray. "Will you pick Tomos up?"

Gray straightened slightly, hope flashing' in his eyes. "Aye," he said, his voice almost eager. "Aye, of course."

Tomos grinned, stuffing' he rest of his toast in his mouth before racing' toward the door.

Cadi stood still, watching Gray watch Tomos.

Cadi grabbed her bag from the counter, adjusting the strap over her shoulder. Her movements were measured, controlled, but Gray could sense the tension in her body—like she was bracing for something.

She turned to him, her expression unreadable. "Tell me the truth, Gray."

He stiffened. "About what?"

Her gaze didn't waver. "The other women. Vanessa." She exhaled softly, as if steadying herself. "Look me in the eye and tell me."

Gray felt his throat tighten. He deserved this—deserved the doubt, the scrutiny, the weight of all the ways he had failed her.

He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling shakily before meeting her gaze.

"There's never been anyone else, Cadi. Not once." His voice was rough but steady. "Not in my mind. Not in my heart. Not in any way that matters."

Honesty shone in his eyes, raw and unfiltered.

"I' have been a coward for not telling you the truth. We are the best of friends," he admitted. "I've made a mess of things more times than I can count. But I love ya more than my own life, and I will until my last breath."

Cadi's breath caught, her fingers tightening on the strap of her bag.

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