Page 183 of Accidental Husband
"We want you to be okay."
I lean into his touch. I do want that. It's just… This is the way I've been okay. For such a long time. What the hell am I without it?
"I don't want to make it an ultimatum. But it is. I'm not sure what the fuck I'm supposed to say here, so I'm gonna tell you what I need." His eyes bore into mine. "I need you to try. I'll do whatever I can to find you help. But we both know it won't do shit unless you're willing to try."
"Yeah."
"Will you?" He traces the scars on my wrist. "Will you try?"
Chapter Forty-One
Griffin
Jules's green eyes fill with frustration.
Her chest heaves with her inhale. "I can't think about that yet." Her voice is soft. Apologetic. "I… I do want to stop. I hate that I'm not strong enough to stop. But I'm not—"
"You're the strongest person I know."
"But—"
"Feel whatever you feel, baby. But don't expect me to agree." I wrap my arm around her. Pull her closer.
She shakes under my touch. "Griff, I… I don't know what to say."
"Me either." There's so much going through my head. She's right about everything. I'm mad. I'm hurt. I'm disappointed.
My best friend's been lying to me for years.
She didn't trust me.
I didn't see it.
Her idiotic boyfriend saw it and I didn't see it.
It hurts like hell.
But that doesn't compare to the fear gripping my stomach.
Maybe that's my baggage.
Maybe I'm asking too much of her.
But I can't stand here and watch her hurt herself.
"Can we talk about this later?" Her fingers dig into my chest, over my t-shirt.
"If that's what you need."
She nodsyeah.
"Okay." I want to forget this as much as she does. But I can't. I can't pretend like shit is normal.
I can give her time and space.
I can be the guy she needs.
We're gonna have to finish this conversation, no matter how ugly and painful it gets. But we can do that later.
