She knows what she’s doing. Just as much as she already knows the answer.
“I told you I didn’t want you to die.” I retreat a small step, making sure to keep a safe distance between us.
She shakes her head in frustration. “No! People die every day. You just lost Roman and so many of your people and yet you never lost control. Not once.”
“Okay…?” If she wants this, she’s going to have to pull it out of me.
“So, I’ll ask again. Why did my death affect you so much?” There’s a look of determination written all over her face.
“Perhaps I was overcome with guilt that I let my father get a second chance with you.”
“That wasn’t it and you know it!” Her frustration quickly grows to anger as she backs me into a corner. “Why can’t you just say it?”
“Say what?”
“You know what!”
“Why, Reign? Why is it that you need me to say it?” She spins on her heel and storms off across the room. Her hands work through her hair like she’s trying to stop herself. “Tell me, Reign.”
“Because!” She whips around, her hair following her movements. “Because if I’m going to walk away from everything good I have with Damien then I need to hear you say it!”
Everything stills. Everything but my racing heartbeat. She looks utterly defeated like she has nothing more to give. I force her against the wall, pinning her waist with my hands so that she can’t storm off again.
She looks scared, but not of me. It’s like she’s scared of herself.
“IfI say it, there’s no going back.”
“I know.”
“Are you sure you want that?”
“I don’t know what I want. All I do know is what I need. And I need to hear you say it.”
Chapter 49
Reign
Ishouldn’t be here. I shouldn’t be begging for this, but I can’t stop myself. It’s like my words aren’t my own anymore. Like they belong to someone else. Someone reckless and selfish.
But I need this. Even if it complicates things. Even if it changes everything. I have to know. I have to hear it from him.
He slowly runs his thumb across my jaw before lifting my chin. His eyes fall to my lips and if it weren't for that damn curse, I would think he’s about to claim them with his own. Instead, he stops only an inch from me and it’s like I can feel the hint of his lips against mine. Taunting me.
“Reign Calloway.”
His nose gently brushes against mine and I want so badly to reach for him. To pull him into me and erase all separation.
“I love you.”
I close my eyes, letting the three words seep into me. I hadn’t realized until this moment, just how long and how badly I’ve wanted to hear those words.
One of Ryder’s shadows runs along my bottom lip, and it makes my whole body awaken with electricity.
Ineedhim.
Every sense of reason I had left, seems to evaporate. I push off the wall, expecting to feel his touch, but instead I feel nothing.
He’s gone.
