Page 60 of Other Side Of Never
Isaiah puffed up.“My dad can earn it.My dad can do anything.”
Kian’s lips split wide in a wide grin.
I laughed, twinkling down at Isaiah.“You think so?”
He nodded definitively.“Dad says he’d do anything for you.”
My smile froze as I met Kian’s steady gaze.Looking away, I assured Isaiah, “And I’d do anything for you guys.”It was the truth.“I’m going to sort your dinner now, Iceman.You better eat your vegetables.”
“Not too many,” he grumbled.
I nodded in agreement and walked away without looking at Kian.But could I help the extra sway in my hips?No.
But God help me, I tried.
For the rest of the evening, I kept things purposefully light.I even made sure I was in the kitchen when they left.
Things were getting out of hand.I ran hot then cold.It wasn’t fair to him.And I had no idea if he was ready for something real and lasting which wasn’t fair to me.
And then there was the whole Isaiah thing.If I loved him, too?And lost them both?It didn’t bear thinking about.
Sage Ridge was a small town.There’d be no avoiding each other if things between us went south.All our people, Aaron included, were so intricately entangled.
In the end, Kian might end up further ostracized.
That now familiar feeling, the one that flared up like a dragon protecting her hoard, reminded me where my priorities, and Kian’s, resided.
He wanted his son back in his life.
I wanted to be the person at his back.
When his text came through hours later prodding me for a decision, I had my perfectly worded refusal ready.
Kian: If you’re coming with us, we can skip the beach and head to Mapleville early and spend the day with my family.Can you be ready for ten?We’ll be gone for three nights.
With my heart in my throat, I typed out my answer to Kian.
As I was about to press send, a new message lit up the screen.
This one swept away all my reservations.
Unknown Number:Whore.
I closed my eyes.
There was nothing saying I couldn’t take off for a few days by myself, but since moving to Sage Ridge, I’d grown used to having friends around me.
And this last message solidified the feeling I’d been thus far denying.I didn’t want to be alone.More than that, I didn’t want to be away from Kian.
I backspaced to the beginning of my text, erasing everything before slowly tapping out three words.
I’ll be ready.
15
Feral
“I’dbelyingifI said I don’t want to be held.”
