AllFreeNovel
Share Us
A rueful smile tipped Drew’s lips. “I wish that meant something to the ones I want it to.”
My chest rose and fell rapidly with the adrenaline riding me, but finally getting all of this out there between us felt long overdue.
“Drew—”
“No, just stop.”
I grabbed hold of his arms, keeping him in place so he had to look at me. “I need to say this, and I need you to hear me.”
He stayed silent as I held his gaze.
“I forgive you.”
When he opened his mouth to speak, I covered it with my hand.
“No, just listen. I forgive you. Stop beating yourself up and forgive yourself.”
Drew’s eyes glistened, and I hoped the message was getting through. He needed to get past this.Weneeded to get past it. A week ago I never would’ve thought that was possible, but now? Spending the past few days together and remembering all the things I loved about him? That he’d tortured himself over his mistake for a decade was enough punishment.
As I lowered my hand from his mouth, Drew motioned to Viper’s office behind us. “You need to go back in there.”
“So do you.”
“I told you I need some air.”
“And I’m telling you to stop being a fucking pussy and get back in that room.”
Drew blinked at me, his eyes widening slightly.
I didn’t care how bossy I was coming off. I wasn’t letting him off the hook that easy. Not with me, and not with Viper.
“You want this deal, don’t you?” I said. “Isn’t that the reason you even bothered bringing up the past? Are you seriously going to give up now?”
“I—”
“Have no more excuses. Push all this shit aside and focus on why you’re here.”
“You…want me fight you on this deal?”
“Yes, Drew, God,” I said, beyond exasperated. “Fight me. Fucking fight me for it.”
He searched my eyes for a long moment, and just when I thought he’d walk away, he nodded. “Okay.”
“Okay?”
“Yeah. Okay.”
That had to be enough for now, because it wasn’t the time or place to finish this conversation about us.
That was to be continued.
Straightening my shoulders, I walked back inside the office, with Drew following.
Levi and Viper seemed to be in deep conversation, but stopped talking when we sat down again.
“Everything alright?” Levi asked warily.
“Yes, and I’m sorry about my reaction,” Drew said. “I haven’t really dealt with my past situation, and it brought up…feelings. It wasn’t in any way professional, and I apologize. It won’t happen again.”
