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He squeezes then leans back, gently lifting my chin. His eyes swim in pure agony and anguish. I lean into his forehead and suck in hard, trying to control my breathing.
“Jealousy, envy, immaturity… whatever I felt toward her, you knew, and yet you still put yourself in a position for this to happen. That’s not fair to me. Regardless of her motives, I need to be able to trust you! I can’t go through this ever again. The thought of you both naked, her mouth on you while you got off, in the living room of people I thought were our friends?
“Do you have ANY idea what that did to me? Knowing you were with her at all?”
“I’m so sorry, baby. So fucking sorry. I should have listened to you. You were right the whole time. I misjudged the situation and did what I swore would never happen again. I swore you’d never hurt because of me. She’s officially out of my life. Forever. There’s no more pity or sympathy. She’s dead to me. Tell me you’re not leaving me.”
“I’m not leaving you,” I rasp. “I’m really fucking angry, but I’m not going anywhere.”
Without another word, he curls around me again and lets out a deep breath. Then he starts to shake. There are no tears, only silent cries of relief. I grip harder and sob into him. We don’t let go as we try to heal the heartbreak.
Chapter 28
A cold cloth brushes over my face, and I blink rapidly, trying to open my swollen eyes. Bryce’s lips touch each eyelid softly, and he hushes me.
“Go back to sleep, angel.”
I finally get my eyes open and focused on Bryce leaning over me.
“I’m okay but thirsty.”
He reaches over and hands me a bottle of water. I drink eagerly until it’s empty. “What time is it?”
“Seven.”
“Pm or am?”
“Pm.”
“So it’s still New Years?”
“Technically,” he answers sadly.
My stomach growls embarrassingly loud, and I burrow in the pillow.
“Someone needs to eat.” Bryce kisses my stomach lightly.
“Do you have any peanut butter?”
He grins and lifts me up, carrying me into the kitchen. I smell the astringent scent of cleaner and faint Italian, and my hunger disappears.
“Oh my God. I need to clean your living room.” I remember the mess and scramble down.
“Jamie did it.”
“Poor Nate. I’ve made the worst impression on his girlfriend. She’s going to think I’m a nutcase.”
“No, she’s a tough woman and full of sweetness. He’s found a good one.”
I search his face, and for the first time, notice the bruising on his jaw. My fingers run lightly over the discoloration, and he flinches.
“My brother?”
“Yeah, but I deserved it and so much more.”
“What exactly happened?”
He sets me on the counter and reaches in the cabinet for peanut butter. I scrunch my nose when he tries to feed me a spoonful.
