Page 81 of Forever and Ever

“Fuck yeah, you were hot,” I say, and it makes her laugh. “But you were also hella fucking scary.”

“Scary?”

“I had never met anyone like you. You kind of made my brain explode.” I bring my hand up to my temple and make my fingers burst out, but she grabs my hand and pulls it against her chest.

“As much as I appreciate the sentiment, I think that might have been the coke.” Her eyebrows furrow.

I flatten my hand against her chest, right over her breasts, where I can feel her heart racing beneath her ribs. Excitement, nervous energy trying to burst free.

“Okay, yes, the coke might have had something to do with the brain exploding part,” I admit. “But that’s not what I’m talking about. You’re just so unapologetic. I’d never met anyone like you before—one hundred percent who you are and not making any apologies for it. There I was thinking I was a fucking god because I’m the drummer for Enemy Muse, and you just kicked your foot up and looked at me like I was the most fucked-up piece of shit. You saw straight through me.”

“You weren’t a fucked-up piece of shit.” She places her hand on my cheek.

I tilt my head and quirk an eyebrow. When she met me, I was naked, wasted, and about to fuck some random groupie I can’t even remember. I was two weeks away from rock bottom.

Not my best moment.

“Fine, maybe a little bit.” She scrunches her nose like it hurt her to admit it. “But I get that there was a lot more going on. So, let’s just say I was unimpressed.”

“I appreciate the honesty.” I place my hand over my heart. “Even if it stings a little. I mean, I was naked and you’re telling me you weren’t impressed with…” I rub my hips against her, and she rolls her eyes.

“Did you just dry hump your question?”

“Maybe.” I grin.

She groans. “All right, that particular part of youisimpressive. But I was intent on not fucking around with messed up rock stars, so I tried not to pay attention.”

I smile, realizing I’m lucky we’ve even come as far as we have.

“If it makes you feel better, I don’t see you that way anymore,” Merry says, her voice softer. “You were working through a lot of shit people put in your head. And I’ll be honest, I kind of hate them for doing that to you because you didn’t deserve it. I’m proud of you for everything you’ve done to get to where you are now. I don’t think I’ve ever really told you that. But being sober in this profession is no joke, and you did it. You’ve never been given credit for your strength. And I hope you know, you are enough, Noah, just as you are.”

My chest tightens, and those wounds that live deep stitch up a little with Merry’s words.

“You’re perfect,” I say, holding her face in my hands, and loving the rawness in her eyes right now. No barrier as she stares back at me. “And you’re my soulmate.”

Merry narrows her eyes.

“I said what I said, no taking it back.”

“You sure know all the right things to say to scare a girl off, Noah Hayes.” Merry chuckles.

“Uh uh.” I wrap my arms tightly around her. “You’re not going anywhere. This is forever.”

Her hands tangle up around my shoulders and into my hair.

“Promise?”

I bring my lips over hers. “Promise.”

And I kiss that word into her with all my heart.

25

Merry

Theclubisalreadypacked by the time Cassie and Sebastian arrive. Not that it matters when you’re partying with Enemy Muse. They have the best VIP booth in the place, and it has plenty of room.

Cassie grins when she spots me, whispering something in Sebastian’s ear before sliding into the booth.

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