Page 22 of Raine

“You jealous, Rainey?”

“Fuck you, asshole.”

He chuckles, and before I can move away, he reaches over and places me in a headlock, rubbing his knuckles on my skull, which has me kicking out at him.

“Let go, wanker!”

He lets go briefly before wrapping me in a hug, and I fold, tears collecting in my eyes because this isn’t a side of Justyce anyone gets to see, let alone me.

Holding me for a few moments, he then moves me to arm’s length, his hands still resting on my biceps as he looks down at me.

“I’m worried.”

“I’m fine.”

“You sound like Arrow.”

Arrow’s name leaving his mouth has me tensing, the feelings resurfacing and mingling with my already sour mood.

Pulling my hair over my shoulder, I suck my bottom lip into my mouth and release it. “Is he really ok?”

He sighs, running one of his hands down his face before looking back at me. “Raine,” he pauses, seemingly thinking before he opens his mouth again.

“You and Arrow… You’ve been on and off again since I can remember; hell, I actually don’t remember a time when you weren’t fucking each other.”

“Your point?” I cut in, feeling my walls pile high in defense.

“You know what? It doesn’t matter. I need you at the club.”

“Say it, Justyce. I’ve never known you for a coward.”

His jaw ticks, and I know the jab will have him spilling his guts in a minute. The need to prove me wrong demands he word vomit everything he was holding in.

“You both need to work your shit out. Either you’re with him or not. If not, then cut him loose, Raine. He’s been in love with you for fucking years, pining over you and taking any scraps you’ll give him. He can’t be your fill-in for when you need someone orsomething.It’s not fair to him. I love you, Raine, like I love Arrow, but a line needs to be drawn in the sand so everyone can move forward.”

Heat unfurls in my chest, tears pooling in the corner of my eyes at Justyce’s outburst. I know I goaded him; I just don’t think I was ready for that hit of truth serum.

And although he’s right, the thought of cutting Arrow away pains me so much, to the point that nausea swirls in my guts and anxiety tears at my insides.

“But he’s my best friend.”

“And you’re hurting him.”

“You’re hurting me.”

“I know, but I’m telling you this because you both need to move on, Raine. He’ll always be your friend, but if you can’t give him any more than that, then you need to stop fucking him. I can’t tell you what to do, Rainey, but whatever you choose, I hope it’s the right thing for you both.”

I wipe the tears away from my eyes, angry at myself for crying in front of him, even more so because I know he’s right.

I decide to steer the conversation away from Arrow because the fissure in my chest is opening and the pain is almost unbearable.

“What did you need me for, anyway?”

His head tilts to the side, assessing me, and I fight the urge to squirm under his assessment.

“You know what? Don’t worry about it, I’ve got it handled. The only time you come here is when you’re working through something or you need a breather. Forget I came, alright? Just do what you need to and come see me tomorrow morning at the club. That is non-negotiable, Raine. I mean it.”

I nod my head, unable to form any words. Justyce wraps his hands around me, squeezing me, before saying goodbye and leaving.