Page 48 of Pretty When He Bleeds

“I don’t know,” he says, throwing his hands up. “How about starting with why you were kissing the guy you nearly had a fucking breakdown over?”

“It’s not—”

“Bullshit,” he snaps. “You don’t just casually kiss someone like that, especially not someone you’ve been glaring daggers at for the past few months.”

I sigh, leaning against the counter as I rub the back of my neck. “It’s complicated.”

He raises an eyebrow, crossing his arms again. “Then uncomplicate it for me, because I’m pretty sure I’m losing my mind here. I’m not judging. Just… what the fuck, man? I thought you were gonna stay away from him.”

“So did I,” I admit, my voice quieter now.

Killian leans against the counter next to me, his blue eyes narrowing as he studies my face. “But?”

“But I can’t,” I say, the words tasting strange in my mouth. “He doesn’t want us to, either. And… he never hated me.”

He lets out a low whistle and shakes his head. “This is some next-level shit, Bishop. Even for you.”

“Tell me about it,” I mutter, rubbing my temples.

“So what’s the deal?” he asks, his tone softer now. “Are you… like, together?”

I take another sip of water, my thoughts swirling as I try to figure out how to explain. Finally, I set the bottle down and look at him.

“Yeah,” I admit. “He said he wants me. And I… I told him about being with Caleb and he says it doesn’t make a difference to him. That he still wants us to do this.”

Killian doesn’t say anything, but the look on his face tells me he’s biting back whatever smartass comment he was about to make.

“Look,” I say, running a hand through my hair again. “I know it’s fucked up. I know it’s messy. But I… I really want this with him, Kill.”

My best friend is quiet for a moment before he sighs, clapping me on the shoulder. “Alright, man. Just… don’t let this wreck you, okay? You’ve been through enough shit.”

“Yeah,” I say, though I’m not sure I believe it. “But so has he.”

“And the fact that he still wants you after dropping that bomb about you and his brother? Mature as fuck, dude,” he says, and I nearly burst out laughing because he looks nauseous paying Damon a compliment.

I sigh, running a hand through my hair as I gather my thoughts. “We kinda hooked up,” I say finally, the words rushed.

Killian blinks like he wasn’t expecting that. “Wait. When?”

“Last night,” I admit, my cheeks heating. “It just… happened.”

His eyebrows shoot up. “Look, if this is what you want, then I’m happy for you. But if it’s not…”

“I know,” I cut in. “I know.”

He studies me for a second longer, then nods. “Alright. Just… be careful, yeah? Damon’s not exactly a walk in the park.”

I smirk, though it’s weak. “Neither am I.”

Killian laughs, shaking his head as he grabs a beer from the fridge. “No shit. Now, tell me—was it good at least?”

“Kill,” I groan, throwing a hand over my face as he cackles.

“Hey, I’m just saying,” he says, grinning. “If you’re gonna lose your mind over a guy, he better be worth it.”

I drop my hand from my face, glaring at Killian, but the heat in my cheeks probably kills any chance I have of looking intimidating. “It was more than good,” I admit as the heat crawls up my neck.

Killian raises an eyebrow, his grin widening. “Oh, now this I gotta hear.”

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