She nodded, just a little… then nestled herself back into my chest.
I understood this wasn’tjustabout me. It wasn’t only about how I’d failed her. That was just the tipping point. This had built from years of never being enough for those that were supposed to love her. From years of putting a band-aid on something that needed a fucking amputation. This was her version of the war I had insidemyhead. And because of that… I loved her a little more.
Maggie
Graham frightened me. Never in a million years did I expect him to take the knife from me and hold it to his own throat like that. What if we’d slipped? What if I cut him? Thinking about all the possibilities sent myheart racing, lodged in my throat. And even though I was in his arms, his fingers caressing the backs of my hands… I couldn’t breathe.
The thought of him leaving again thrummed just outside the edges of my vision like an annoying headache. What would happen if I relapsed? What if I was too much? Too toxic?
I tried to blow out a breath, but it came out stuttered—forced.
My hands trembled as I spun the ring on my finger. The inscription echoed like its own curse—his pulse—his obsession.
Tears welled.
Graham dropped to his knees in front of me, never taking his eyes off mine.
“Max, take a slow… deep breath. I know it’s not going to feel like it’s helping right away, but I need you to try.” He guided me through a few breaths, our eyes locked. “Okay, look, pretty girl, I want you to tell me something you know. Something certain, because right now, you’re spiraling. I know what that’s like and it can be a hard cycle to break.”
“What if I?—”
“No what ifs. Just truths.”
“I—I don’t know…” I sniffled.
He closed the distance between us and held my face in his hands.
“You’re so pretty,” I said, deflecting, but I couldn’t keep my cheeks from flushing as I stared into his eyes.
“No. Try again.”
“You have the most beautiful stormy sapphire eyes.”
He chuckled. “Okay, fine, we can go with that. Now something else. Deep breath. Breathe.”
“I love your one fang.”
“Good, now something not about me. Not about a person. What do you see?”
“You.”
“God, you’re a pain in my ass.” He shook his head, smiling. “Come on, be serious for a second.”
“I am. Every time I close my eyes—I see you. When I open them—you. You haunt my dreams, Graham. My thoughts—everything. No matter what I do, it’s always…you.”
“Well, at least we have that in common.”
“Graham, I’m so terrified we’re finally going to get to be together and somehow, I’ll fuck up. I’ll say something… do something that reminds you too much of her… or I’ll be too real. Too sad. Maybe even too much… and you’ll leave again.” The tears burned as I looked to the ring Hunter had placed on my finger.
“Max, we’re going to be okay. I promise you. I’m here now.” He lifted my chin so my gaze met his. “I’m not leaving you, ever again.”
Then he kissed me, his lips pressing tenderly to mine. My body relaxed. My fists unclenched. And I could breathe.
I pulled back, our mouths just barely parting. “…but what about?—?”
“Nuh-uh.” He shook his head, cutting me off. “We’re not worrying right now, remember?” Then he slammed his lips back onto mine.
This time his kiss claimed me, and I gave in, letting it consume the regret. The worry. The doubt. Until the only thing left… was trust.
