Page 74 of A Siren Song for Christmas

Do I even have a chance with Malachi?That’s all I want. A small chance.

He didn’t need Malachi to love him today. Or tomorrow. Or next week.

Trent could wait. For Malachi he could wait. But what if he waited the rest of his life and it still wasn’t enough time for Malachi to return his feelings?

Malachi lifted his cup towards his lips.

“Could you ever fall in love again?” Trent blurted.

Malachi froze, cup almost at his lips. “What?” He lowered the cup.

“I know you lost your mate. And I know… I know all the things you told me.” Trent tried to keep his voice level. “But given enough time, do you think you could fall in love again?” Trent searched Malachi’s eyes.

“And I know you said this is friendship with fucking.” Trent’s breath came too fast. The hopes, the yearnings, the dreams, and the wants rose inside him, almost choking him. “But do you think you could ever love me? Not straightaway, of course. But in time. Because I can wait. I can wait for you.”

A heavy silence followed.

Malachi stared at Trent, mouth agape. “I…”

Trent held his breath. His hands shook.

“You are a wonderful person, Trent.” Malachi lowered his gaze. “You are kind and caring. You are generous. Having you inmy life has been a true blessing. I have valued your friendship so much these past couple of weeks.”

“Those are sweet words,” Trent said softly. “But that doesn’t answer my question. Do you think you could ever love me?”

Malachi opened his mouth. He closed it. He looked away.

That is my answer.

A tear slipped free and slid down Trent’s cheek. He brushed it angrily away. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked. You were clear from the start what you wanted. You lost your mate and are not capable of anything other than friendship. Of course nothing has changed.” He placed the teacup on the floor.

“I should go.” Trent crawled from beneath the sheets, cursing his nudity. He grabbed at his clothes, tugging them on with fumbling hands. Now that the first teardrop had escaped, the others joined in, flowing down his cheeks. He gritted his teeth, trying to will them away as he pulled on his trousers.

“I’m sure there is someone more suited for you, Trent.” Malachi rose. “Someone less wounded.”

Trent pulled on his shirt.

Malachi took a step towards him. “And you don’t want an old, grieving, loner like me. You could do so much better than?—”

“I love you!” Trent’s head snapped up as the words flung from his mouth. “I love you, Malachi. I love you, and I want to be with you.”

Trent gestured to the room. “This is what I want.” The tears fell like rain. “I want to drink tea and eat cake by the fire with you. I want to make wreaths and garlands and talk about our days.”

Trent took a step towards him. Malachi shrank back.

“I want to fall asleep in the embrace of your arms and tentacles. I want a life by your side. And I want you to love me.” Trent’s voice broke.

A strangled noise escaped Malachi. But he didn’t move, just stared at Trent.

But Trent kept talking. Now that he’d started, he couldn’t seem to stop. “I love you, Malachi. I don’t give a shit about anyone better. Because I want you. I want the siren I fell in love with.”

And despite having seen no sign that Malachi might change, Trent had to ask once more. “Do you think in time you could ever love me? Even just a little?”

Pain lined Malachi’s face. He didn’t speak. The silence stretched out.

Because Malachi didn’t love Trent. And he never could.

Trent looked away. “Sorry. I’m sorry. This is my fault. Entirely my fault.” Trent finished dressing. “I need to go.” He had to leave. He couldn’t stay.