Page 46 of Fractured Memories

She chuckles. “Definitely. But I just want you to think about how it has been for him. He fell hard and fast for you, and then he practically lost you unexpectedly. He’s not reacting well, and hearing you reject him kind of pushes him over the edge.”

I bite my lip, considering that. It makes perfect sense, given every interaction we’ve had. I was told that Kieran was ruthless and evil, and while I have seen that temper, I’ve also seen him try to hide so many other emotions. Ones that make sense with Mika’s context.

“I would have doubts, too.” She pats my hand and leans back. “But Kieran is blunt. He’s not the kind of guy who will try to manipulate or trick you to get what he wants. If he's willing to talk, he’s not going to waste those few words on lies. And I hope I’ve earned enough of your trust that you believe me when I say that we really are friends, this is your home, and we are all happy to have you back.”

My throat is tight as I stare at her, at the way her eyes are glistening and she looks so damn sincere. My chest aches, and I know deep in my bones that she isn’t lying.

I must be no better than Kieran because it feels nearly impossible to squeeze out a single word. Not because I’m trying to shut her out. I just think I must be awful at being open, too.

I guess Kieran and I make more sense than I thought.

“You have,” I finally whisper, looking away.

Mika lets out a soft laugh, and I bet this isn’t the first time she’s seen me struggle like this. But she doesn’t push it. Instead, she does what I have learned is a very Mika thing to do. She teases me.

“Well, I guess then I’ll forgive you.”

I lift my head, giving her a dubious look based on her tone. “For?”

“For forgetting me, obviously.” She gestures to herself. “I am too awesome to have been forgotten. But you did somehow, and I’ll finally give you the chance to earn my forgiveness.”

I roll my eyes, throwing a balled up napkin at her, but it breaks the tension, making us both laugh. And even if it was hard, I’m really glad I finally talked to Mika.

CHAPTER 16

KIERAN

Iclose the door behind me, tucking my hand and the gift into my pocket. It still feels weird to be inside my room, but at least I survived the night.

It is a ridiculous feat—but one nonetheless—that I actually slept in my own home for the last four nights. Granted, the first one was after I drank enough to get some semblance of rest in a chair in my sitting room while Rohan and Lochlan made sure I didn’t go after Eden. The night after, I drank and dosed there alone. And the last two nights, I wouldn’t call my restless tossing sleep really, but it’s progress.

I hated being alone in our bed, but I knew that it wasn’t feasible to keep going the way I was. I needed to reestablish some control over myself and implement a little structure.

And the only reason I was even able to was because I finally got through to her. I knew that our chemistry was still there. I just needed to pull it out of Eden like I did the first time we met. I never once kept my distance from her, never stormed off when we argued, and all that space wasn’t good for either of us.

It was a relief to see how well she handled my teasing, how she gave it right back to me. And if she didn’t realize the way her body responded to me before… Well, she did now.

I knew that all she needed was one touch, one moment with her guard down and my mouth on her, and she would realize that something was drawing her to me. It’s always been there, and no one could take that away from us.

But I also know how Eden is, which meant I gave her space after. I couldn’t push too hard or she’d snap, and my progress would be undone. So I spent the last two days staying away while she processed.

The sun is starting to set, and I can’t wait any longer. As Eden has a tendency to do to me, I’ve run out of patience.

Which is why I’m heading for the patio right now, hoping I’ll find my wife out there. I’ve resolved to at least try to talk to her first, but if she tries to leave again, I’m not above making her come just so she’ll put up with my company.

It’s nowhere near the first time I’ve done it.

I pause just inside the glass doors, my chest constricting when I’m met with the sight of Eden sitting at the edge of my pool, feet in the water. Her black boots sit beside her, and she’s wearing those tight black shorts she used to love to fight in. Paired with the cream colored sweater, she looks so damn good I have to remind myself she’s not used to me fucking her again before I storm out there and strip her down.

I can do this. I can be…Well, not good. But close enough.

Pushing open the door, I step outside, my boots clicking along the patio’s stones. Eden’s head tips back to look at me, the golden light painting her in a way that makes my mouth fucking water. Nothing has ever been more tempting than this girl.

“I was starting to think you were avoiding me,” she calls as she straightens, looking back at the mountain peaks across from us.

I chuckle softly but don’t answer. I don’t mention that I’m glad this side of her has come out to play in case the reminder of our past sets her off. It’s a fine line of knowing how I should provoke her.

Instead, I take a seat beside her, facing her so I can stretch one leg out behind her and sling my arm over the bent knee of the other. “Why don’t you just get in the water?”