Page 53 of Love the Way You Lion (Rise of the Resistance #3)

The Artist Has Issues

RAFE

Mate,

I didn’t handle this morning as well as I could have, and I feel chapped about it.

I didn’t expect what happened between you and me yesterday.

I’m right glad it did because there aren’t words for what you did.

I feel off about it all, I guess. When I feel off or unsure, I fall back on what I do well—being a prick and protecting the ones I love.

Bugger. I can’t help feeling like I should have said something different.

Maybe I was too cold.

I think it wasn’t very good for you and I’m sorry. I hope I’m being paranoid and I wasn’t as big an ass as I think I was. I probably was, though.

Regardless, I wanted to tell you that yesterday was—it will stay with me for a long time. I hope that it wasn’t a one time deal, but I figure there’s more to be said.

That’s better face to face, I think. I might need some help there—figuring things out—as I’m in unfamiliar waters. I’ll look you up when I get home tonight, but I wanted to... hell, I don’t know.

Hang loose, Sampson.

Taurus

T he hastily scribbled note was waiting for me when I came back from the supply store.

Once he left, I went to the kitchen to get more bourbon and a bite.

I figured I’d shower and work out my emotions with a drink and draw session.

I did this to myself, and no way was I going to bother the women.

They need some time alone—it’s good for them, particularly for my primary.

That wound is open, and at least one of us should heal, right?

Unfortunately for me, the women took up residence in my sodding studio.

Blade didn’t feel comfortable knocking about the top floor of our house with its history, I’m sure.

I can’t blink in and out, so I had to run out to get supplies.

Whiskey alone wasn’t going to cut it. I was frustrated, angry, and self-destructive when I left.

When I returned, our women were gone, and the note was here. I have no idea what to make of it. Am I supposed to feel bad that he thinks he screwed up? Should I let it go? What is he saying he wants? The sex was fucking amazing—we both know it.

Maybe that’s what it was and what it will be. Maybe that’s all I should hope for. Every time I look for more, it’s ugly and I can’t fuck things up for either of the women, so I should assume that this is a fun thing. I can have a lark. That’s it: a once in a while, fun thing.

Great.