Page 97 of Undone

“Above her brow? Right here?” I said, touching the scar on my brow I rarely even thought of.

“Yes.”

Bile rose in my throat at the thought of it all. “Thanks for letting me know,” I said, trying to keep my composure.

“We will figure this out together,” he said, nuzzling his chin in my hair.

“I think I should head home.”

“Stay,” he pleaded, tugging me closer, his body pressed against mine. “Just for a little while. I can throw something on, and we can sit and watch. I don’t want you to be alone right now.”

“Okay,” I relented.

We nestled into each other, my head resting on his shoulder as he scrolled through the channels until he found something to watch, like we always did.

He was both comforting and dangerous, and I didn’t know how much longer we could tiptoe around the truth.

For now, this was enough. I was content to be here with him, the world outside forgotten. I could almost convince myself that this was how it was meant to be—that we were two souls intertwined in this dance.

I closed my eyes for a moment, letting the warmth of the room wrap around me, and I silently hoped that this feeling would last just a little longer.

THIRTY-FOUR

Noah - October

BETTING ON US - MYLES SMITH

I adjustedthe hem of Dotty’s dress and stepped back to take it all in. The soft ivory gown hugged her figure, the intricate lace trailing elegantly to the floor. Her blonde waves of hair were loosely curled, framing her face in a way that highlighted the glow of her blue eyes. A subtle touch of makeup—the perfect hint of blush, rosy lips, and a shimmer around her eyes—enhanced her natural beauty without overwhelming it.

She was a vision of grace, but what stood out the most was the excitement in her expression, her emotions barely concealed beneath her radiant smile.

“You look beautiful, Dotty,” I said, giving her a soft smile. “I don’t think there will be a dry eye in the house.”

Dotty smiled back, but there was something thoughtful in her expression. “Thanks, I’m feeling… everything right now. But I know it’s right. Trent and I—it’s always been more with him. I’m excited to call him my hot cowboy husband.” She giggled then paused, letting her gaze drift toward the window where the guests were beginning to gather. “Enough about me. Tell me… how’s it going with a certain brother of mine?”

I fumbled with the fabric of her veil, pretending to fix an imaginary crease. “It’s—complicated.”

Dotty raised a brow, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. “Oh, come on. I know you better than that. What’s really going on? Is Dorian just someone to pass the time or… is it more?”

My pulse quickened at her question.

Was he just a distraction?

Or was there something more?

I glanced at Dotty, knowing I couldn’t hide from her forever.

“I—I don’t know,” I muttered, though my voice betrayed me. It wasn’t the truth, not really.

I knew.

And that sat heavily in my chest. Dotty wasn’t one to let me off the hook.

She reached out, her hand gentle but firm on my arm. “Noah. You do know. I can see it. Not just with you, but him too.” She sighed. “The last couple of weeks… I thought this was just you guys fucking around at first, but the more I see him around you, it’s clearly more.”

More.

I swallowed hard, feeling my defenses crack under her gaze. “It feels like… more.” I admitted, the words slipping out reluctantly, like I’d been holding them in for too long.

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