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“I’m drunk and have a lot on mine. Ignore me.”
His face darkened, anger flickering in his eyes. “No, if you’re man enough to bring it up, the go the distance and say it. What the fuck did you mean?”
“Fine. I believe in destiny, same as you. But your idea of soulmates…that shit is convoluted.”
He grabbed me by my shirt and pulled me close, his grip tight and unyielding. I swallowed hard, meeting his intense gaze.
“How the fuck so?” he hissed.
“You loved Vanya. You fought for her in the only way you could. From what I know, you never stopped. But you lost her anyway.”
The muscle in Sebastian’s jaw ticked. His grip loosened, his expression shifting from intense anger to something more conflicted. He smoothed my shirt. I should have stopped there. But fuck it. I pushed forward.
“If destiny was enough, if loving someone hard enough was the magical formula…”
I tilted my head and then the glass up before draining the liquid. The bartender gave me a look as if to say, ‘shut the fuck up while you’re ahead’. Maybe I wanted to get my ass kicked tonight because I took it even farther.
“She left. Didn’t come back and from what I understand, she could have at any time. By your logic, that means maybe she wasn’t your soulmate, mate.”
He heaved. His breath was hot and smelled of alcohol.
“Fuck you,” he choked.
What looked like tears formed in his eyes. Somehow, despite the stupidity of my words, he and I connected on a deeper level than ever before. Another beautiful thing about being a part of this crew.
Truth, even when it hurt, mattered to them. He leaned forward, eyes slipping shut as if blocking everything out for just a second.
“Pretty sure I told you, only death could take your one true love away. That’s…that’s what happened to me. To us.”
“I’m sorry. I misspoke. It’s not my place. I didn’t mean to make things worse. I’m dealing with things I can’t fix. And trust me, that’s not a feeling I handle particularly well.”
The words slipped out before I could stop them.
“Let’s hash it out then. What’s going on? You can trust me with it.”
“I appreciate that. I really do. I’m not ready. Just know that I’m struggling. I don’t know which way is up any more.”
“Yeah, well, life doesn’t always make sense. We just have to do the best we can with what we’re given. I’m here when you’re ready.”
“Thanks, Bash.”
“No problem, that’s what brothers are for. But mate, I have to tell you I’m fucking impressed.”
“With?” I asked, looking around nervously.
“You’ve got a huge set of balls to say that shit to my face. I knew I liked you from day one. Allison,” he called out.
Fuck me.
Across the club, Allison glanced up from a conversation she was having near the bar. She excused herself and made her way toward us. The crowd parted around her. By the time she reached us, Sebastian had already opened one arm. She stepped into the space without hesitation.
“Did you need me, Sir?” she asked, resting a hand against his chest.
“Someone’s booked in the red room.” He nodded toward me. “Take our boy to the white room. He’s in need of you.”
A knowing smile pulled at the corners of her mouth. He cupped her cheek briefly before releasing her. The amusement in her eyes deepened as she turned toward me.
I hesitated. If I refused, he’d start asking questions. Questions would lead to answers. And answers would lead to problems and maybe my death. At least, according to Isabella.
