Page 123 of All Your Bloody Lies

I hope I didn’t just ruin our night…

“Yeah, sure. I’ll be here.”

“Promise?” His hands come to the sides of my neck while he leans closer, “Don’t run.”

“I won’t. I’ll be here.”

“You can run another time,” he jokes, and I’m glad that he does. “But this dress is beautiful on you and I want to take it off slowly.” He brushes a fleeting kiss across my lips.

I take a shaky breath, “Can’t wait.”

44

Kairhyse

Icontemplate running down the stairs, just to reduce the amount of time away from her. I’m terrified she’s going to run.Gods be damned, why did I even go there? I truly have zero restraint.

Fucking Belial himself, Xera.

I’m out of my complex’s parking lot within minutes, racing through the city. Her workplace is on the other side of town, but I know these streets well enough to get there in fifteen minutes. It lies just beyond the skyscrapers, nestled behind a cluster of hills. The authorities have multiple dispatch offices, and this one seems to be the safest. I’m grateful for that; it’s one less concern for Xeraphine.

I pull up to the front gate where an officer waves me forward. “Good evening.”

“Evening, I’m picking up Sydni Diar. She’s an employee here.” He retreats to his booth, and after sixty-four seconds, the gate opens.

Fuck, my body is absolutely fighting with me for not rushing right back up that elevator. I should’ve just said it and dealt with chasing after her.No, no…I did the right thing in stopping. She didn’t want it. Yet, when have I ever stopped myself when it comes to her?

Maybe she would’ve seen the truth behind me saying it. It’s possible that fear would have been washed away by me just telling her that I love her.

I’m a hopeless fucking fool.

The door opens, and I shoot my gaze at Sydni. Her pink hair is tied up in a bun, and she looks exhausted. “It’s been so dang busy, Rhysie-poo. Thank you for coming to get me.”

Not even a second passes before the door closes that I’m turning us around, and getting us back on the main road. “Wow—did I catch you both in the middle of the act?” She pokes me with her elbow. “Ah? How’s thedaaaate?”

“Good.” I am not a very good actor. I need to get some lessons from my girl.

“Uh-oh, what happened?”

I groan, “Nothing, butterfly, it’s okay.”

“What did she do? Do I need to scold her?” I can hear her soft huff, “Because I will. She needs to open up. Be less—well—her. You are perfect for her.”

The light turns red, and I’m debating on just running it, but I come to a stop. I don’t want to risk anything, and having the authorities chase us or me getting us into an accident only prolongs my time away from her.

My leg is shaking as I watch the light.

“Rhys…” I don’t think she’s ever not said the full nickname, and I turn to look at her. “What happened?”

“I was… ah—Sydni, I don’t know if I should have this conversation with you.”

“You didn’t tell her you loved her, right?” Her face of fear is just more confirmation that I nearly fucked everything up I worked so hard for. “Oh shit, you did…”

“No… I—I didn’t get the chance.” I run my hands up and through my hair. “Gods, she is so infuriating! What is her deal with that fucking word? Why can’t I love her? Why does it have to be alie?” I really shouldn’t be saying this to her, and I quickly rein myself back in. “Sorry. Forget I said anything.”

Her hand rests against my arm, giving me a gentle smile. “You can love her. I do. She doesn’t need you to tell her. In time, you may be the one to make that change in her. Until then, just show her how much you do.”

I take a moment to absorb her words, and in that pause, I do calm my anxiety. She is absolutely right.