Page 120 of Release

He leans against the end of my desk, his voice dropping to a whisper. “They found Junior. Dead.”

Sitting back, I scowl. “When? What happened?”

“Home. Housekeeper discovered him this morning. Looks like he died last night. They’re saying it might be an allergic reaction.”

I let my gaze go unfocused and I stare past him for a moment, a soft snort escaping me. “Well,shit.”

I feel his gaze heavy on me. “Tellme, Case.”

“Tell you what?”

He stares at me.

“I guess things just got unsatisfyingly simplified, didn’t they?” I ask.

It takes him a moment before he finally nods. “I guess they did,” he says. The disappointment in his tone relieves me. I never had to flat-out lie to him.

Although it damn sure feels like I did.

* * * *

Over the next several weeks, I see the dark emotional cloud that has always followed Declan dissolve as he and George settle into their new routine. I spend several nights a week at George’s, but I still haven’t crossed that final bridge of having intercourse with him.

Not for a lack of desire on his part, or mine, but I won’t give him that part of myself and hand over yet another weapon he can use against me until I’m sure he won’t reject me.

George is doing well in the polls, had two exceptional performances against his competitors in the debates, and as long as we don’t fuck anything up, he likely has this in the bag.

Though I refuse to jinx us and say that.

An autopsy agreed Junior died from an allergic reaction.

Case closed.

Ironic, huh? No one to push for a deeper look into the situation.

Going into October, while neither George nor Declan are pressuring me, I know they want a more solid commitment from me personally.

Well, I got away with it. No more excuses now.

I have a pretty big damn decision to make, I suppose. Accept George’s offer and we do this thing…

Or not.

He and Declan both want me.

I definitely want Declan. And…

Yeah, I want George.

Except I know I can’t keep doingthis. Not like this. I can’t keep watching them together like this and…breathe.

They’re in love with each other. Desperately in love.

Is there evenroomfor me?

I swore I’d never get married. I swore I’d never make myself vulnerable again.

Then I fell in love with Declan.