Page 116 of Treasure of the Abyss

Camrin entered, and Aymee and her father left. Once the door closed, he turned to face Macy. He was silent as she scooted to the edge of the bed and lowered her feet to thefloor.

“I tried to find you after the storm,” he finally said, stepping closer. “You have no idea how panicked I was when I woke up on the beach and you weren’t there. The boat barely made it back here, but the first thing I did was try to form a search party. Only my father and Breckett were willing to go. Everyone else figured you were already dead…but I had to try. We searched for days, up and down the coastline, all along the cliffs, but…we couldn’t findyou.”

Guilt assailed Macy; she knew the pain her decision would cause. Though Jax hadn’t left her much of a choice, she’d been the one to embrace her situation, to enjoy her newfound freedom and let everyone she knew believe she’dperished.

“And all this time, you’ve been with him,” Camrin said, stopping in front ofher.

“Camrin—”

“No. I’m not here to attack you, Macy. I’m here to say…I’m sorry.” He knelt and took her hands in his. “You’re my friend. Always have been. When I saw you in his arms, saw youalive, I was overjoyed. I wasn’t thinking about our future together, or what I’d say to you when you woke. I was just so damn thankful you werealive.”

Teardrops flowed over her cheeks, and she dropped her gaze, squeezing his hands. “I’ve wronged you, Camrin. Somuch…”

“I can’t lie and tell you it doesn’t hurt,Macy.”

“I know.” She met his eyes. “I should have told you years ago how I really felt. I’ve wasted so many…so many years, so many years of your life. You could’ve found someone worthy of yourlove.”

“Macy, youare—”

“No, I’m not. I never felt for you what I do for Jax. I loved you, but it was never the kind of love you wanted or needed from me. You were familiar. You were safe, and I used…used you horribly. I thought that maybe, after we joined, it would change — thatIwould change — but I know now it would’ve been amistake.”

Camrin stared at their hands,silent.

“I’m so, so sorry,Camrin.”

He was silent for a long while before his tongue slipped out to wet his lips. “I think I’ve always known, deep down. I…I didn’t want it to be true, and I fought against it so damned hard because all I wanted…I wanted you, Macy, but more than that, I wanted to make youhappy.”

“You did, Camrin. You were there for me through it all. You made my days a little brighter.” She cupped his face, forcing him to look at her. “You did nothing wrong.Nothing. It was me. What I needed, what Iwanted…”

“Is locked in a tank in thewarehouse.”

Macy frowned and looked away. This time, Camrin guided her to face him, curling a finger beneath her chin. “I’m jealous as hell of him, Macy, and I wish you felt that way about me…but I really do want you to be happy. Which is why I want to helpyou.”

Her eyes widened. “What?”

He smirked. “Do you think I don’t know you and Aymee have something planned? She’s not exactly the most subtle person around here, and I’ve known you both since we were littlekids.”

“You’ll helpus?”

“Whatever you need from me,Macy.”

Macy threw her arms around him. “Thankyou!”

With Camrin’s support, she made several slow laps around the room, detailing the plan as she walked. Before long, the door opened, and Aymee entered with Breckett closebehind.

“You’re walking,” Breckett said, grinning through his thickbeard.

Macy smiled. “Barely, but it’s gettingbetter.”

“How much longer do you think it’ll be before she can come home?” heasked.

“Well…” Aymee looked at Macy and raised herbrows.

“I’m not cominghome.”

Breckett frowned, his gaze moving from Macy to Aymee, then Camrin, and back again. “What are you talkingabout?”

“I need your help,dad.”

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