Page 53 of Sprite Wedding
Bryan shrugged and glanced away. “I wanted to see you again. I want to see if you’d give me another chance.”
Oh jeez, maybe this was a mistake to have this conversation near Lucas. Who knew if he could see us and hear this conversation? If so, he must be fuming.
I narrowed my gaze at Bryan. “Why? “
“I made mistakes back then, Zoe. I see that now. We were young, and I was foolish. Seeing you again, it brought back my feelings for you. And you have this new”—he raised his hands and gestured toward me—“vibrancy about you. I like it. I like seeing how you’ve grown.”
I pursed my lips. Much of that growth could be due to being with Lucas. He’d helped me to ease up and take care of myself, which might have made me more enjoyable to be around. Before him, I was a guarded, uptight detective who didn’t know how to relax. In my downtime, I created or tweaked weapons. I still did that, but not so often since Lucas came up with other ways to spend our time together. Yet, I found it soothing to have multiple defensive options on hand, especially when it came to supernaturals. A weakness for one might have no effect on another, so I had to be prepared.
“I’m still the same person you knew. The same one you abandoned when she needed you most.” I’d still been reeling over my father’s murder when Bryan had sought affection from other women. “The same woman you’d cheated on more than once.”
He averted eye contact, and his expression turned shameful. This was what I’d been expecting when I’d asked him if he had anything to do with Lucas.
“I know it was stupid and foolish. I was young and didn’t realize what I had with you.”
“And then you blamed it on me.” My body heated, and my hands were trembling. “Yes, I know I buried myself in work and wasn’t the best partner. You rationalized that I drove you into other women’s arms.”
Bryan appeared sheepish. “I know. What I did was stupid. I apologize. But what we had was special. We can start over and try again. I promise you won’t regret it.”
“I promise you that I will.” I crossed my arms and shook my head. “It’s not going to happen. What we had is long over. I’m with Lucas now.”
“Does he even know you? He can’t like I do. We grew up together. We went through so much together. The good and the bad. That’s something he’ll never understand.”
I swallowed. Yes, there was some truth there. “You were there—and you still hurt me. That’s something Lucas would never do.”
Right. That was what I truly knew in my heart. Why had I ever entertained the idea that Lucas could cheat on me? He wasn’t Bryan. It wasn’t fair to compare them or their actions.
“What can I say? I was young and foolish.” Bryan raised his gaze to mine. “We all make mistakes when we’re young. We had something back then, Zoe. You can’t deny that.”
“No, I won’t. But that’s in the past.”
“Only if you choose to leave it back there. I understand the appeal of someone new and different. But that’s not long-lasting. He’s a buffoon, Zoe. He’s not even the same species. You and I are the same. We had something then, and we can do so again. We have a better chance at making something work than you and that clown. Give me another chance.” He reached over to take my hand. “Give us another chance.”
CHAPTER14
LUCAS
My fears compounded and crashed like a highway pileup.
Zoe’s ex came back for her. What he’d said about first loves had haunted me, and now it played out like a vivid horror movie right before me.
And I couldn’t do a damn thing about it.
I wished I hadn’t had shifter hearing and listened in on their conversation, but the curiosity had been too damn compelling.
I willed every stone particle that bound me to move. I tapped into my inner strength to break free. But nothing. I had to remain locked in this torment as my girl slipped away from me.
He’d called me a clown and a buffoon. Maybe he was right. Lucas, good for a laugh, but that’s about it.
Zoe yanked her hand away from Bryan. “No. You’re wrong, Bryan. And about so many things. Lucas is the most amazing person I’ve ever met. He’s incredibly brave, resourceful, talented, and considerate. I’m lucky to have him as my partner and my mate.”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. My heart felt like it expanded, pushing out through my chest—almost like it was pushing through stone.
“Zoe—”
“No, don’t Zoe me.” She pointed her finger at Bryan. “I don’t care about any of the differences between Lucas and me. That’s what complements us and makes us stronger. What we have is the real thing. Lucas would never do what you did to me. He’s the best man I know. He takes responsibility for his actions and doesn’t put the blame on others.” She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “I love him with all my being. And I trust him unconditionally.” She straightened and rolled her shoulders back. “He’s the absolute love of my life.”
Bryan sagged forward, defeated. “All right, I get it. I’ll leave you alone.”
