Chapter 1
Love
He’s coming back today.
Declan. He’s coming back…
It’s been four years. We have changed, but the simple thought of him still makes my heart skip a beat.
Declan’s mother was murdered four years ago. Max Denfell, his father. He decided it wasn’t safe for Declan and Rian to stay in Cilinm. They moved to Caltin, and Rian came back a year later, when it was safe. Declan decided to finish his residency there. It ended a couple of weeks ago. And just like he promised Rian, he’s coming back.
I’ve barely talked with him these past few years. Declan has crazy shifts, and I didn’t want to intrude. On top of that, my brother was a suspect in his mother’s murder. So for three years we didn’t speak at all. The rest of the time was happy birthday, happy new year, and merry Christmas. It’s actually the first Christmas we’llbe spending together with the Denfells since the tension lifted.
“Hey, pretty girl,” Rian whispers in my ear and I nearly punch him.
“Sorry, reflexes,” I say laughing, “What’s up?” I ask him, and he smiles wickedly at me. I look at him confused. He just points at the door.
“You’re not supposed to be here until 7pm,” I explain surprised, walking in Declan’s direction.
“Does that mean I don’t get a special Love hug?” Declan asks, our eyes meet. His eyes are still the most beautiful colour, midnight blue. I rush towards him and wrap my arms around his waist. “Did you think you’d get rid of me that easily?” Declan whispers in my ear, and a shiver goes down my spine. I punch him in the arm.
“I always knew it was difficult for psychopaths to let go of their target,” I say and smile at him.
“Careful, they aren’t known to be very patient either,” Declan warns and walks past me to the kitchen. “You changed the whole decoration,” Declan says, and Rian watches the scene unfold from the living room like we’re his favourite reality show.
“A lot has changed,” I declare and go towards the Oreo cookie’s cake dough in the making. And restart working on it. Declan stares at me. I look everywhere but at him. Which is difficult since I can feel his eyes burning through me. “What?” I finally find the courage to ask.
“I missed you. That will never change,” he says, and I feel my delusional side gain a little power. I crush it. He chose to be away for four years. He doesn’t get to haveme anyway. Not even if I also want him, which I’m not sure of anymore.
Four years ago, we were starting to connect. For the first time in a romantic way. Now I just can’t. I can’t trust that he won’t run away again with the smallest misunderstanding. This wasn’t the first time he drifted away.
“We missed you too,” Rian speaks for me, and I notice I spaced out. I turn my focus back to the cake. “Want help with getting your things to your new room?” Rian asks, Declan glances at me.
“You two go, I have plenty to do,” I say, and Declan looks at me one more time before rushing outside. I put the dough in the oven, thinking maybe it’s been too long, I mean, it’s Declan. I think it’s always been Declan. But I met someone I might be neglecting for the scarce possibility that Declan may be the one.
When I have everything on the making, and the boys are outside with their father. I call the one I’ve been avoiding.
“Hey, Cherry, what’s up?” Dominik says concerned, almost as soon as I touch the call button.
“Hey, Dom. How are things going with your cousin?” I ask, trying to avoid the reason I called him. But still wanting to know, Christmas isn’t a happy time for Dominik. His father is dead, and he and his cousin just don’t get along.
“We’re keeping our distance,” Dominik says, and I sigh in relief. “Did you call me to ask about my cousin?” he questions, and I’m not sure what to say.
“Just wanted to make sure you’re ok-”
“He’s there, isn’t he?” Dominik asks, he may know I had a crush on him. He may suspect it’s more than that.
“Yes, he’s on the front porch with his father.-”
“I don’t need pity if that’s what you called for,” Dominik whispers, and I know I have to say something.
“No, that’s not it. I was just wondering if you still can get here with Damian by 8?” I whisper back as Declan and Rian walk inside.
“You sure?” Dominik replies, and I nod; only remembering it’s a voice call seconds later.
“Yes, you’re family come over,” I answer, “I need to go, see you later?” I ask, and Dominik says “Yes”.
“Was it Dominik?” Rian questions, and I nod.
