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“Don’t,” I warn, shaking my head. “I knew what I was doing. I went into this willingly. I wasn’t a fucking child.”
Maddox scowls. “Sienna knew what she was doing. She was the adult, Colton.”
“I’m not brainwashed,” I snarl, hot shame coursing through me.
“No, you’re not. But you are in denial.”
Pinching the bridge of my nose, I squeeze my eyes shut. “Just…stop, Maddox. Thank you for what you did, for tossing her out when I couldn’t. But it’s over. It was over before you even stepped in.” I open my eyes again. “We haven’t fucked in over six months and I wasn’t going to indulge her tonight either.”
His jaw snaps close, and I can hear his molars grinding. I’ve never seen him this furious before. “I would never hit a woman, but if I ever see her around you again, I might just break her face.” Maddox stalks forward, coming to sit beside me. “You’re my goddamn brother, Colton. I’m not going to sit here and act like I just didn’t find out the real reason behind your callousness.”
“Leave it, Maddox. I’m fine.” My father might have called me worthless and pathetic, and maybe I am all of those things, but I’m not fragile.
I’m not weak.
Sienna didn’t break me.
Because she can’t break what’s already been broken.
The first touch of darkness filled my soul the day I watched my mother’s neck snap when my father pushed her down the stairs.
“Shit, I didn’t think it would be possible to develop hate for someone this quickly.” Maddox growls under his breath.
I let out a humorless chuckle. “Yeah, I hate her too.”
Heavy silence fills the room. Our elbows are touching, and after a long minute, Maddox releases a low exhale. “I wish you had told me.”
I lean my head back, closing my eyes. “It’s over now,” I mutter tiredly.
It was always my burden to carry.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Grayson — 19 years old (Six months later)
“Happy Birthday.” Riley giggles against my lips, her fingers brushing against my rough stubble. “You didn’t shave. I like this.”
She sits up, still straddling me. “I was trying to figure out what to get you for your birthday.” Riley pouts. “Except for that paperback and the new watch, I couldn’t think of anything else that you would like. You’re not picky and you’re rarely ever interested in anything.”
My thumbs draw circles on her bare thighs. “I don’t need anything else.”
Your smile is enough…
Riley is glowing, her cheeks are flushed and her eyes bright. Happiness looks good on her. I knew moving away and going to Harvard— away from her controlling parents, would do her and her mental health a lot of good. Riley hasn’t told me everything, she’s tight-lipped about her relationship with her parents, but I know she doesn’t get along with them.
I remember the lost and sorrowful girl on the bench, the one with yearning in her eyes. Riley is not her anymore. She’s content. She’s smiling…and not that fake pageant smile she gives everyone. No, she’s smiling for real. My girl doesn’t hide behind a cold mask anymore, or the pretty facade she shows the world.
Happiness and freedom taste like sweet wine on her lips now.
But goddamn it, I miss her.
Being away from Riley is cold and lonely — it’s pure fucking torture.
I wish I had nothing else holding me back to go to her, to stay with her. But she’s there and I’m here…and time is ticking.
“You’re my gift,” I rasp. And that’s enough.
Her pretty smile widens, and I am filled with the intense need to protect it. That smile. And her. God, I would do anything for this girl.
