Page 94

Story: The Love of Priest 2

Priest’s broad shoulders motioned into a shrug. "It was just a few sessions. I went once I finally stopped being stubborn, but then I got called back to New York."

"Did it help?"

Priest nodded his head confidently. "It did for a little bit, but once I got back to New York, I just fell back into the same habits, which is why I unloaded myself like I did when we first met.”

"I didn't mind. I still don't," she clarified, hoping he wasn't seeing himself as a burden in her life just because she allowed him to vent.

A light smile masked his face as he finally shifted his dark eyes toward her. "I know. I appreciate that."

"So, is this like a private session or?—"

"You wanna join?" Priest asked with his brows raised.

Britain quickly shook her head. "I don't want to intrude. I want you to be comfortable."

"I'm actually the most comfortable when you're around," he enlightened her, causing a light smile to grace her face.

As nice as it sounded, she just didn't think it was a good idea, especially with it being his first session since he had come back. He needed to be vulnerable without her there, and she didn't want to be a reason why he didn't express himself as much as he could.

"I appreciate the invite, but I think this is something you should do alone. The first session back at least," she declined his invitation nicely.

Priest nodded his head. "If that's what you want.”

Britain stood aside, watching him glide his feet into the sneakers with ease. As he stood to his full height, she was in awe at the sight of him. The complete look of the Palm Angels track suit paired with the fresh pair of all-white Nike Air Forces and his diamond-drenched jewelry complimented his confident demeanor. His lineup was sharp, and his beard was trimmed to perfection. If she wasn't still holding a grudge from their disagreement, she was sure she would have jumped his bones by now.

Britain ran her fingers through her hair, a deep breath exhaling out of her. "I leave tonight," she reminded him.

Priest nodded his head as he readjusted his chains around his neck so the chain to commemorate Jamari was flipped over to show the photo on full display. "I know. I scheduled your flight.”

Britain smacked her lips with a roll of her eyes. There were a lot of unsaid things between them, which resulted in them both being snarky. "What I was trying to insinuate is that I would appreciate it if you were back in time to see me off. I would hate to say goodbye with a phone call because you're busy," she explained.

"I would appreciate it if you didn't need to say goodbye at all, but I understand," he let out slyly with a hint of bitterness. "That's just the consequence for my action."

"I'm not trying to punish you," Britain clarified.

"And I'm not losing sight on my promises to you, and yet, neither of us is getting what we want,” he scoffed.

Britain pursed her lips as her eyes drifted away. A part of him wished he could go back to the point in time when they were happy and content with each other. Now there was this thick unspoken anger that was masking them both. They weren't seeing eye to eye, but all they could do was accept each other's decision. Glancing down to his Audemars Piguet wristwatch, he realized how pressed for time he was.

Clearing his throat from the silence the two shared, he shifted his attention to her. "I have to head out. I don't want to be late."

Britain nodded her head as she stepped aside so he could be on his way. "See you later then. Be safe.”

Priest let out a light sigh as his dark orbs peered down at her. "C'mon. That's not how we say goodbye to each other," he reminded her as he opened his arms for an embrace.

Britain shuffled over to him, falling right into his arms without any hesitation. "I love you," he told her while kissing the top of her head. "And I'm sorry."

"I love you too," Britain replied. She wasn't ready to accept his apology yet. Clearly, he wasn't as sorry as he was expressing to her since he had yet to call up Suzette and Matteo to tell them he wasn't the right fit for the job.

Pulling away from the hug, he attempted to crane down to apply a light kiss onto her plump lips but was coldly met with her cheek. As sharp and painful as the blow of her avoiding his kiss was, he took it without any grief. With that, she watched him exit the bedroom to head to his appointment.

As he exited the home, he let out a deep sigh of defeat. He wasn't fond of him and Britain not seeing eye to eye. Things were different now. They didn't have anyone or anywhere else to run to besides each other.If they were back in New York, it would have been second nature for Britain to resort to her apartment and Priest to flee to his penthouse just so they could think separately. Now they were in the same space with constant reminders of each other. Priest was ready for the anger to subside on both parts so they could just move past it.

Priest hated how quickly he managed to fuck up Britain's trust. She had really devoted her all to him and this move, just for money and business to cloud his vision from the promises he made to her. He wished he would have just declined the offer. The afterthought of leaving Kaymen and J'Ru a mess to clean up on their own just wouldn't allow him to. He honestly thought he could handle the business and appease Britain. He had done it before. What he didn't realize was that there was a lot more at stake in his relationship. They were engaged now.

For the most part, he kept his drive to his appointment silent. He spent the time trying his best to figure out how he could show Britain instead of telling her that he was all in for her. This wasthe first time in the history of their relationship that he came up short.

Eventually, he arrived at his destination. He parked his vehicle before stepping out. Following the location his therapist Havani sent to him late last night, he was surprised to see that he had arrived at a gym. Glancing down at his attire, Priest shook his head, knowing that he wasn't dressed for whatever Havani had in store for him.