Page 210 of Ruthless Desires: Vol. One

“Hmm?” I look up, clenching my fists in my lap where he can’t see.

Please tell me you understand.

“I shouldn’t’ve kissed you.”

The food in my stomach sours, and for a second I’m afraid I might actually throw up. I don’t know what to say, so I just nod, moving my gaze back to the counter.

It was painful to be close to him like that when he was upset with me, but at least he touched me. At least he was trying. Knowing that he wished it never happened hurts more than the kiss itself did.

“No—Oliver, I’m trying to apologize.” Rhett moves around the counter until he’s standing close enough to touch me. “It hurt you. I shouldn’t’ve done that. That’s what I’m trying to say.”

“Okay,” I mumble.

“And I’m sorry for running off. And I’m…” He sighs. “I shouldn’t’ve gotten so mad, O. I was scared and went straight to being angry instead of trying to understand. You were trying to make sure Wren made it out alive. I can’t fault you for that.”

The wave of emotions that crashes over me feels like it would’ve knocked me over if I wasn’t already sitting. Ever since I realized how upset Rhett was, it’s felt like someone has been slowly wringing my heart out like a sponge. Now all the tension in my body and mind is trying to leave at once.

I rest my head in my hands as tears fill my eyes. Yesterday, I apologized for what I could, but I stood my ground when I needed to. I was so worried that Rhett would never come around.

“I was afraid of losing you,” he murmurs, tentatively placing a hand on my shoulder. “It scared the shit out of me. But that’s not really an excuse. I’m sorry, O.”

As tears fall onto my cheeks, I raise my head to look up at him. He wipes away my tears, his expression turning worried when more replace them.

“You understand?” I croak.

He nods. “I’m sorry it took me so long to see things from your perspective. And I’m really fucking glad that you got us to Wren faster. And that you’re both safe.”

I grab his shirt, pulling him closer. He holds me and I cling to him as I’m surrounded by the scent of cedar and sage. It’s a calming smell, one that’s broughtme so much comfort over the years. It does the same thing now, even as I soak Rhett’s shirt with my tears.

“I love you,” I say, holding him tighter when he flinches. “Please don’t say it back. Not like this. But I wanted you to know.”

“I’ve never doubted it. Not even once, Oliver.”

The urge to be as close to him as possible takes hold of me so strongly that I find myself stumbling to my feet without a second thought. I press my body into his, whispering, “Can I kiss you?”

Rhett nods, running a hand over my hair. There isn’t even a split second of hesitation on my part as I fit my mouth to his. This time he’s gentle with me, slowly moving his lips against mine in an almost reverent, worshipful way. More tears spill from my eyes, and it makes for a pretty wet kiss, but neither of us care.

“Oh, thank fuck,” Elliot says.

I break off the kiss, wiping at my soaked cheeks. Elliot and Wren are standing hand-in-hand at the edge of the kitchen. Wren smiles at me with an odd mix of relief and concern on her features.

“We’re okay, princess.”

Rhett is still holding onto me, and it couldn’t make me happier. I kiss his chest through his shirt before leaning against him. If I could get away with it, I’d never let go.

Elliot makes Wren an omelette, and she takes a couple small bites. Just as Elliot is about to take the frying pan to the sink, she stops him.

“Can you make another one?” she asks.

“I’ll make you as many omelettes as you want, love.”

“Not for me.”

He pauses, giving her a confused look. Then it dawns on him. “For… him?”

She nods.

Elliot doesn’t ask any questions or try to convince her otherwise. Rhett and I don’t, either. Whatever she wants to do to Jordan, we’ll let her. And if she decides she wants to feed him, then that’s what’s going to happen.