Page 50 of Exactly What I Needed
But all it did was make him smile and chuckle. “I’m so scared right now,” he teased, and I rolled my eyes.
“You still don’t get them.”
“How about a trade?” he offered, and I raised a curious but hesitant brow.
“I’m listening.”
“Something personal of mine for something personal of yours,” he presented, and I remained silent but watched him. “It won’t fit you, but here,” he continued and slid a ring from his pinky finger. From within the thong he was already holding, he unfurled a small silver chain, as if he’d been planning this all along. “My parents gave this to me the day we released our debut single. It didn’t go viral, and we hardly ever perform it, but I’ve worn this every day since.”
He slid the silver ring with black flames swirling into a nothingness on the chain and gently let it fall around my neck. “Now, it’s yours.”
“You want to give me that for a pair of my underwear?” I questioned, feeling like what he was offering was much more personal than what I was.
He smiled and let his hand fall back to his side. “It’s not just underwear, Princess.” His voice was soft. Bending down, he brushed his thumb across my cheek.
“I don’t know if I can give you what you’re asking for,” I whispered, as I realized what he was truly seeking. What he really wanted. He gently pressed his lips against my forehead.
“I don’t need you to say the words,” he replied as a tear slid down my cheek.
“You’re asking me to choose between you or my best friend, Asher.”
“No, I’m just asking for you to not give up on me yet. I don’t want you to lose her, but I can’t lose you either, Cosette. Can’t you see? I am addicted to you. Every part of me became yours the moment I laid my eyes on you. My music has become you. My soul has become you.” His voice quivered, vulnerability floating across his words. I closed my eyes, torn. His confession felt heavy and inviting. It imprinted upon my heart, searing its permanence and unknowingly sealing my fate.
Slowly, I extended my hand and opened my fingers. Resting on my palm was the silent agreement that I felt as he did. That I was his.
“Didn’t you already know?” I whispered when he took the fabric from me.
“Already know what?” He stood up, gazing down at me.
“Why do you think I asked you to promise me? Why do you think I made a stupid Picsnap? Why do you think I came yesterday? Or today?” I paused, letting him study me before finishing my thought. “Why do you think I asked for this?” I spread my legs and pointed at the deeply bruised bite mark near the crease.
“Tell me.” His voice was low and quiet, as his eyes glanced at the mark. “Tell me why.”
“You said you didn’t need me to say it out loud. If I say it out loud, it makes it very real.”
“I lied.” He lifted his gaze to my eyes, begging for me to tell him how I felt. To tell him exactly what I had been battling between my own mind and heart.
“I want you,” I confessed. It whispered across the room. “I need you.”
He inhaled sharply, happiness filling his gaze.
“But-but I can’t have you,” I finished.
He clenched his jaw, his eyes becoming cold. Silence stretched between us, heavy and oppressive, and then he stepped away from me. “What are you saying?”
“You know what I’m saying, Asher. We’ve had—”
“No, this isn’t the same thing. I didn’t ask the same thing.”
I shook my head, tears clouding my vision. “You just don’t understand.”
“Fucking try me. I’m a human being, too, you know,” he snarled, his fingers turning white as he clenched his fists.
“I–I’m just—It’s not that simple. There’s too much at risk.” The tears crashed down my cheeks, leaving a hot, wet trail behind.
“For who? You or for us?” he asked, his tone measured.
“For both of us! You know that. I’m just trying to protect—”
