Page 94 of Butterfly

I rub my eyes. “A side of me wants to. We’ll get rid of Emily, and you’ll be safe. On the other hand, I’m worried I might lose you.” Sod it. I can’t stand the distance between us anymore and take her hand. “If I do this, it’s going to be difficult for you.” It’s going to be difficult for me as well.

She doesn’t lace her fingers through mine. “It’s your career.”

“It’sourlife together,” I point out. “Your safety is at stake.” The last thing I want is Sienna to get depressed again because of the unwanted attention from the media, or because I spend weeks naked in bed with another woman.

“Alex.” She shakes her head, finally gripping my fingers. “You can’t ask me to decide for you. It’s your choice.”

“But what doyouwant?” Anger is flaring up again, but it’s mostly directed at Rebecca, Emily, and my damn situation rather than at her.

She edges closer, causing Dart to move with her. “Whatever you decide, I’ll be right next to you and support you. You were next to me when I needed you the most. You didn’t judge me, didn’t reproach me, and didn’t doubt me. I want to do the same for you. Am I happy that Rebecca and Emily are forcing you to do something you don’t want to do? No. They’re treating you like a puppet, and I hate that. I hate that you have to deal with them. But above all, I hate that I’m the cause of this mess.”

“No, you aren’t.” I kiss her fingers as sweet relief makes me giddy.

“I am. You know I am.” She closes her eyes briefly. “I want to be strong for you. I want you to count on me. So, you have to decide, and I’ll be here for you. No matter what.”

Moving over Dart, I hug her and scatter kisses on her face. “Having you on my side is everything I ask.”

“I love you, Alex.” She rests her head on my shoulder. “I mean it.”

“My love.” I kiss her on the lips.

Squashed between Sienna and me, Dart has a ‘lick as much as you want’ party, kissing both Sienna and me. We laugh at his contagious enthusiasm as our hug becomes a mess of golden fur, raspy tongue, and arms.

My chest feels lighter. But the decision still hovers over my head.

Thirty-two

Sienna

I DIDN’T SEE Alex after he told me about his conversation with Rebecca. I can’t decide for him. If he wants to make that film with Emily and Rebecca, it’s his choice. I wouldn’t be happy about it, but that’s his job. I don’t want to step between him and his career any more than I already have.

I remove my latex gloves after a long day at the clinic. As I sit at the desk to enter the data of my latest patient, Jack enters the room.

“There’s a guy who wants to talk to you.” He jabs a thumb over his shoulder.

My heart does a flip. “Alex?”

He tosses me an ‘I would’ve told you’ glance. “Someone else. He said he’s your friend. Do you want to meet him here or outside?”

“Here, please. I’ll feel safer.”

His expression softens. “Sure thing.” He leaves the room, and I sag on the chair, wondering who it might be, but not really caring at the same time. Whatever. I finish typing when Dylan comes in, looking strong and handsome as usual.

“Hey.” He walks over to the desk, twisting his hat in his hands.

“Dylan?” I crane my neck to see past him into the lobby, but he shuts the door behind him. “How did you find me?”

“Vance. Alex’s manager.”

A nagging feeling starts at the back of my head. How did Vance find me? “You could’ve asked me.”

“Oh no, please.” He holds up a hand. “Don’t think I asked Vance to bypass you and stalk you. The fact that you worked here came up by chance.”

Still, I’m not sure I’m happy.

He must see the confusion on my face because he scrubs the back of his neck. “I didn’t mean to bother you.”

“I’ve finished for the day.” I gesture at the sofa bed. Since he’s here, I’d rather get this impromptu meeting done. “What did you want to tell me?”

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