Page 109 of Prey Tell
“Motherfucker,” I grit out, clenching my jaw.
“What’s wrong?” Miles asks, and I jump, having forgotten he was sitting right next to me while I had my temper tantrum. I show him the picture, and he hands it back, shrugging. “Those two have about as much chemistry as two potatoes. I wouldn’t worry about it.”
“Yeah, but he’s there, and I’m three thousand miles away. Proximity breeds familiarity.”
Miles sighs and sets his book down, crossing his arms. “You’re such a fucking dragon, brother.”
I arch my brows and scowl at him. “How so?”
Miles shrugs. “You stockpile the things you love. Like it’s fucking gold. Even as a kid, you always had to have the best. The best toys, the nicest clothes, and now, need I say more about your plethora of rare cars?”
I scoff. “That’s a hobby.”
“Sure. Let’s call it a hobby, then. Is your hobby also dressing the woman you’ve loved for years in the most famous dress in the world?”
My jaw clenches as I consider his words. “Juliet isn’t like other women—”
Miles laughs. “Trust me. I know. You’ve been unintentionally hoarding her away for years like a greedy reptile. And I don’t even think you realize you’re doing it.”
“That’s not true—”
“Every single woman you fuck looks a little bit more like Juliet Parker. Long brown hair, golden skin, light eyes… you have a type. Did you know that?” I scowl and pretend to pick lint off my pressed dress shirt. “Sometimes I wonder if the reason you asked Jackson to move in with you is because you hoped Juliet would visit more often.”
“She hasn’t,” I blurt, scowling. “She’s usually there when I’m away.”
“Right. And that bothers you.”
I look anywhere but at my brother as he continues. As he unravels everything I’ve carefully hidden away. Every hope, every secret desire… it’s all unspooling right now somewhere over Iowa. My heart races in my chest as the panic settles in.
“You compare every woman to her, keeping her high up on your reptilian pedestal. And you’re content to leave her there to save her from yourself. But what you don’t realize is that maybe you need to pull her down and tell her exactly how you feel. Because I think she likely has a very similar pedestal for you.”
Images of a nine-year-old Juliet flash through my mind. Braces and frizzy hair. Cat headphones over her ears. She was so fucking wily and curious—always bothering Jackson and me. And then one day… she was fifteen. Leaving for homecoming in a dress that made me want to wring the neck of her fifteen-year-old date. And then every year after that got harder and harder… and my denial grew deeper and deeper. Until everything came to a head eight years ago. Until she offered me herfuckingvirginity. She trusted me enough.
I’m an idiot. I should’ve said yes.
I should’ve told her to walk into her room.
I should’ve quietly closed the door and stripped her bare and given her the fucking seven-course meal she always deserved for her first time.
I should’ve put my ego to the side, my worries and anxieties, and given her exactly what we both wanted.
But there’s no use in ruminating on what should have been.
Maybe if I let go of everything Ithinkshould happen, I can give her exactly what she needs now.
Someone to treat her like a goddamn seven-course meal: check.
Someone who will love her with every cell in their body: check.
Someone willing to live in her house until the dayshedecided to sell it: check.
I’d live in that goddamn house for the rest of my life if it meant I could wake up with her next to me.
“Fuck,” I murmur, running my hand down my face as I take a few steadying breaths. “I’m a fucking idiot.”
Miles chuckles. “You’re just now realizing that?”
I nod. “And now I’m gone for five days.”
