AllFreeNovel
Share Us
25
Blakely
Riggs disappears through the door, and my stomach flips. I've hurt him, made him question my love, and the crazy part is I don't even know why I'm fighting him.
Is Riggs right? Am I really the one holding the cards?
King Madden scoots closer to me, whining.
I sit up, tug him into my arms, and he nuzzles his head on my neck. The pit in my stomach grows, and I kiss him.
I have to let whatever my hang-up is go.
I rise, carrying King Madden into the house.
Riggs turns the corner, wearing shorts and a T-shirt. He tosses several items on the kitchen counter. He crosses his arms over his chest and says in a hardened tone, "I won't try to keep you here anymore."
I glance at the pile. His two sets of keys, our cells, a few burner phones, and our laptops are in it. My stomach dives like I'm on a roller coaster. I step closer, stroking King Madden's fur, and question, "What are you talking about?"
His body stiffens. He stares out the window for several minutes, then finally meets my eye. He admits, "I put this in the safe so you couldn't leave while I surfed."
I gape at him, unsure why I'm surprised. It's a total Riggs move.
More hurt lights up his expression. He declares, "Yin and yang work because neither is the same, yet they can't exist without the other. Their opposition creates an interconnected force of oneness, giving them infinite potential."
I tease, "I didn't know you were so into spirituality."
His nostrils flare, his eyes darkening into storm clouds.
Crap. Why did I say that?
In a stern voice, Riggs adds, "Yin and yang are equal forces. And that's you and me. It'salwaysbeen you and me. But you have to decide if this is what you want."
"Riggs—"
"No, pet." He holds his hand in the air.
My pulse skyrockets, and I hug King Madden tighter. I wait for him to speak as my mouth turns dry.
He lowers his voice, declaring, "I've made mistakes. I can't say I won't make more down the road. I'm more flawed than the average human. I'm fully aware of it."
Tears well in my eyes. I try again, "Riggs—"
"I love you. You're the only person I've ever loved. But I can't change who I am to keep you," he interjects.
I blurt out, "I don't want you to change."
He inhales deeply.
"I love you," I add, my insides quivering.
He glances at the ceiling, then swallows hard. He points to the contents on the counter. "You're my wife, but if you don't want to be here..."
"I never said that," I claim, stepping forward and placing my hand on his bicep.
His expression scares me. He slides his hand through my hair, palms my skull, leans down, and kisses my forehead. He murmurs, "I need to clear my head, pet." He retreats.
I set King Madden on the floor and then reach for Riggs's cheeks. "Don't run from me."
