AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Finally.
“The octopus releases ink when it’s in danger. The mucus and melanin cloud the predator’s sense of smell, making it hard for them to find the octopus.” I twisted, resting my forehead against the door again. “But the ink is so potent, if the octopus doesn’t escape its own ink, it could die.”
What are you doing, and when did you become Animal Fucking Planet?
Oliver and Romeo would have a field day if they heard me right now.
Still, I ran the tip of my nose along the chipped wood as my lips moved. “Sometimes, you have to take a chance. You’ve got too much to lose by ending this, Octi.”
Was this begging? Groveling?
I didn’t know. Didn’t care, either.
In fact, I only cared about one thing—getting this woman back inside my house.
I waited a minute for her to speak.
One minute stretched into two.
Then three.
Another minute, and I swore I’d leave here with a purple-pink dent in the middle of my forehead.
Finally, Farrow took me out of my misery. “You could’ve told me about the engagement party.”
My lungs emptied,whooshingagainst the wood.
I flattened my lips together. I never explained myself to anyone other than Mom, and doing so right now felt humbling.
Farrow was, of course, right.
I could have.
Ishouldhave.
“I copped out,” I admitted.
More silence.
Then a response.
“Come again?” I could hear a hint of a smile in her words.
Little shit.
“I said I copped out,” I repeated, louder now. “I took the easy way out, because I’m not used to dealing with messes. And what we are is…messy.” To say the least. I sighed, exhaling hard. “And because I have the emotional palate of a Veggie Straw.”
Her chuckle tumbled past the door, and a ten-ton rock rolled off my heart. “I still don’t like you.”
“You can dislike me and still love the way my cock fills your pussy, Farrow. You can even hate me and enjoy being showered with presents and legal help.” I curled my fist around the doorknob, knowing it wouldn’t open but wishing for it anyway. “This thing with Eileen isn’t real. She will never have my kisses. My adoration. My complete and full attention. She is a checkmark in a box. She’s no threat to you in the same way a lone shooting star is no threat to the sun.”
“Zach…” It came out louder yet quiet—her voice just behind the door now. “Do you think of me as the sun?”
No. You’re the entire fucking universe.
And I hate that most about you.
“We have a deal.” I cleared my throat, trying to sound pragmatic. “And I will fulfill my end of the bargain. I’m here.”
