Page 47 of Wicked Truths

“Jesus, Sullivan, please climb off your high horse,” she mutters under her breath.

“Hey,” I make a grab for her wrist, but she shakes out of my hold, “I’m trying to check on you.”

“After shutting me out for the last few months?” She rolls her eyes. “I think I’m good on that, but thanks.”

I’m so shocked that I take a step back. It’s not like her at all. I frown so hard I can feel my own forehead wrinkle. “Damn, I guess Marcus is rubbing off on you after all.”

“Why? Because I’m tired of being walked all over, and I’m finally standing up for myself?” She studies me carefully. “I was embarrassed after what happened, but I still made an effort because keeping our friendship was more important than my pride.”

My stomach drops. I really have fucked this up; hopefully not beyond repair.

“Please, come sit down and talk to me,” I plead. “I care about you more than I can explain.”

“Okay, Sullivan,” she huffs, but she doesn’t make a move toward me or even the couch. My chest gets tighter than it has been.

“We had lunch together earlier.” I sigh. “I figured you weren’t as angry with me as I originally thought.”

“Men,” she grunts. “Hurt is not the same emotion as anger. I was hurt that you shut me out rather than talking to me. I am angry that you can’t seem to tell the difference between the two.”

I stomp over to her side, and I’m as surprised as she is when I scoop her up. She doesn’t fight me, which seems like a decent sign, or maybe I’m reaching for any glimmer of hope at this point.

“I’ve fucked up a lot lately,” I admit, taking a seat on the hard-as-hell fake plastic couch. Oakley scrambles up on her knees, tilting her head to look at me. I bear hug her like I used to when we were teenagers and wrap my hand around her head just under her ponytail, bringing her face to rest in the crook of my neck. “I’ve been trying to figure out some stuff that’s my own shit, but what I didn’t mean to do was to damage our friendship.”

“Yeah, that’s the last thing I wanted either.” Her warm breath puffs through my T-shirt and against my skin as she runs her hand over my shoulder. “I’ve really missed you, Sulli.”

“Me too,” I grunt, holding her closer. My heart races as she exhales against my skin.

Neither of our families were especially hands-on growing up.

Oakley has always been my partner. She dated on and off in high school, but nothing that got too serious. I wasn’t prepared to have to share her.

Before she presented as an omega, I was sure we’d get married one day. Some of that was the naivety that came with youth, but until it became clear she’s an omega, I still had hope that I could make her happy. I never wanted to be touched by anyone, except for her. I thought that meant we had a chance. I do crave affection, more so recently than ever before, but the thought never turned me off when thinking about Oakley.

I have all sorts of complex feelings when it comes to her that I’ve never had to face. I’m starting to think Liam is right. I might be the only one who can define my sexuality, or lack thereof, but I’m also the one who’s been setting limitations on myself.

“How have you been?” I run my thumb over her cheek as my fingers brush over her neck. Oakley likes to be held tightly, even before she presented. The signs she’d be an omega were all there. “Are you happy with Marcus?”

Her breath catches, but she nods. “I really am. I know he can be difficult, but he’s had a hard life.”

“I get it,” I concede. “It helps that I do think he really cares about you. He’s been different lately, and he obviously has no problem staying faithful.”

“Yeah, but it’s only been a few months. Who knows what’ll happen if we make it big.” She shrugs, but it’s clear she’s already emotionally invested.

I’m sure that after the bullshit with me and Hawk, it didn’t take much for him to slide right in while she was vulnerable. My teeth grind together as my jaw gets tight. It’s complicated hating him when I’m realistic enough to know I’m pissed at myself.

“That’s my own insecurity talking. Marcus has been nothing but good to me. Honestly, I have zero complaints.”

If I wasn’t such a jealous asshole, that would be good to hear, but as it is, my heart fucking sinks. Not that I want him to treat her like shit, but fuck, I’m pretty sure he realizes what a catch Oakley is. She’s smart, driven, compassionate, and financially stable even if this music career doesn’t pan out.

“Please don’t shut me out again, Sullivan,” she whispers, pushing against my hold to look up at me.

“I won’t,” I assure her, staring into her big blue eyes. My nostrils flare, breathing in her lavender scent. It’s less acrid than when we sat down. I can only hope that means I’ve helped her calm down. That’s obviously one step above Marcus. I was able to soothe her with my presence, not my cock. Okay, so I’m not sure that’s a win, but it could be.

“I’m serious, Sullivan.” She tilts her head, watching me carefully. “I will legitimately have to hurt you.”

She’s so freaking pretty that all the air seems to evaporate from my lungs. My gaze darts to her puffy lips, but she’s got a boyfriend. A boyfriend who hates me, and the feeling is mostly mutual.

I settle for giving her lower back a squeeze.

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