Page 3 of No Mistakes
We stand in silence for a moment, just staring at each other while she processes what I said. Her fingers twitch at her side, restless, like she’s trying to find the words to say, and I feel myself getting more nervous for what is about to come. Never in my life have I felt like this around a woman, but god have mercy, this one has me in a chokehold every second of the day.
She’s beautiful, intoxicating, a god damn goddess sat on a throne of fire.
“You don’t get to say that you know?” She starts, her voice strangely calm, which scares me more. “You don’t get to act like this was some noble sacrifice. Like you dying… No.Pretendingto die was the best option.”
“Eva-” I say, but she cuts me off immediately, “No!” She shouts, stepping forward, jabbing her finger into my chest, and even through the pain, I don’t move. This is the closest she’s been to me in weeks, and I will take any touch I can get if it means I get to feel her. “I am fed up, of your fake apologies. You let me grieve for you. You let me go through hell. Do you have any idea-” Her voice cracks, and she presses her lips together like she’s trying to shove the emotions back down. I feel my own walls start to crack, seeing her so broken from what I’ve done.The need to wrap my arms around her, to hold her tight. But I know that will only push her away. I also know anything I say right now will just set her off more.
Her hands shake as she drags them through her hair. “I thought I’d lost you.” She says, her voice barely a whisper. The pain in her voice nearly brings me to my knees. “You found me, pulled me in, and treated me like no man has ever done before in a matter of days. Got me tofallfor you, but then you throw that away, for what? A laugh?”
“No, not for a laugh, Eva,” I say, my throat tight. I look up to the ceiling, gathering my thoughts before locking eyes with her. “I know what I put you through was hell. Fuck. You think Ienjoyedhearing about how you were? How you couldn’t move out of the bed, couldn’t eat, couldn’t even fucking talk? I know I fucked up, believe me, I do. But if I hadn’t done it, you wouldn’t be standing here right now.”
From the moment I saw Eva outside of the gym, I knew there was something about her that I needed in my life. Her sassiness, her temper, her laughter. Every inch of her brought me joy. She’s an addiction.
My addiction.
“Do you want to knowwhyI call you Buttercup?” My voice coming out rough. I step closer, my eyes locked on her. “Because you’re the only good thing I’ve ever had. You cut through all the shit, all the darkness, and somehow, you still shine on me. I don’t need some stupid flower under my chin to tell me what’s true. I already know. I know it every time I look at you.”
I know my words hit her hard when her lips part like she wants to argue, but something stops her. Maybe it’s the exhaustion in my voice. Maybe it’s the raw truth in my eyes. Whatever it was, I can see it. The moment doubt crept into her mind. Her eyes flicker over my body, and they land on my shoulder, to the way I’m now cradling it with my hand to keepthe pain at bay. It’s like she’s only now remembering I’m hurt too.
She takes a step away from me, and I go to reach out to stop her. To keep her close, but she shakes her head. “You don’t get to make me feel bad for you when you’re the one who didthis.”
The distance grows between us, and I feel my heart tighten as panic floods through me. “I don’t want you to feel bad for me,” I say quietly. “I just want you to understand.”
Her eyes start to well up, and for a moment, it feels like I might have a chance to explain as she walks back towards me. “Buttercup.” I start, but my hope is short-lived as she walks straight past me, “I can’t do this, Axel.”
“No. Wai-” But it’s too late. I watch as Eva disappears from the room, Mandy following quickly behind. A pressure rises in my chest with something far worse than physical pain as she disappears around the corner, straight towards the front door. I could go after her. I know I should, but the look in her eyes… Anger, heartbreak, betrayal. All of that tells me it wouldn’t do any good for either of us right now.
A deep whistle comes from behind me, and I turn to see Flynn walking towards the centre of the room. “Well,” Flynn drawls, clapping a hand on my good shoulder, “that wentgreat.”
I don’t react. Instead, I keep staring in the direction that she vanished to, like maybe if I focus hard enough, she’ll come back.
“Youreallyknow how to talk to women, huh?” Carter announces as he leans against the door frame, crossing his arms. When I don’t reply, he raises one brow, taunting me. I shoot him a warning glare, reminding him of who is in charge, “Not the time, Carts.”
Flynn lets out a small laugh, “You sure? Cause I think it’s the perfect time to point out how badly youscrewedthat up.”
I walk over to the table in front of me and my grip tightens on the edge of the glass, turning my knuckles white. “She needed space.”
“Yeah?” Flynn smirks. “Or maybe you just didn’t know what else to say.”
I clench my jaw. He’s not wrong. I hate this whole thing. I know I hurt her. I also know that no matter how much I wanted to explain why, it wasn’t enough.
“She’ll come around,” Gunnar says, his voice flat but certain. I give him a small smile, silently thanking him for the bit of hope he’s giving me. The hope is short-lived when Flynn opens his massive mouth next, “Possibly, or maybe she’ll spend the next month plotting your real murder. You never know with women these days.”
I groan, dragging a hand down my face. “Reallyhelpful, Flynn.” Turning to look at him, I see a grin spread across his face.
“That’s what I’m here for.”
The room falls to silence, and I take a moment to replay everything that just happened when a robotic voice plays through the room. “You look like shit.” The silence is soon replaced with laughter as we all look towards Ant, who is holding his phone out to us. Even I can’t help but crack a smile, “Feel like it too, brother.”
I push myself away from the table, joining my brothers as they surround me, showing me their support. Flynn nudges my shoulder lightly, being careful not to hurt me. “Well, on the bright side, at least she only threw pillows. Mandy would’ve gone for a lamp.” Flynn points out. Despite everything going on, a short laugh escapes. “Not helping, but true.”
Ant lifts his phone, typing something before his speech device crackles to life once more. “You’re an idiot.”
“Yeah, I know,” I reply, dropping my head before Flynn slaps me on the back, causing me to lose balance slightly. “But you’reouridiot.”
CHAPTER 2
EVA
