Page 65 of Ruthless Desires: Vol. Two

“He won’t,” I shout, causing Oliver to wake. “Justlistento me for five seconds. Rhett found out that Ludo was there. And when I explained that I didn’t tell you guys because I was afraid Rhett would deviate from the plan out of anger, he got mad atmefor even thinking that. So he’s not going to do anything.”

Elliot pauses, frowning. “That doesn’t make any sense.”

Oliver groans. “What’s going on?”

Still giving me a blank stare, Elliot says, “Rhett got mad at you because you assumed he’d continue acting the same way he’s acted for years?”

“I… I guess, yeah.”

Absentmindedly, Elliot runs his thumb across his bottom lip. Then he’s right in front of me again, stroking my hair. “We’ll figure this out.”

I cringe away. “Why aren’t you mad at me? I lied to all of you.”

The question seems to take him aback. “I…”

“Guys,” Oliver says. He’s sitting up and rubbing his eyes. “What the hell is going on?”

With a sigh, Elliot says to me, “I’ll explain it to him. Why don’t you shower.”

“Are you sure? It might take longer than normal, I should probably do a hair mask because of the chlorine—”

“It’s okay, love. Take your time.”

“Okay. Thank you.”

After he kisses me on the forehead, I give Oliver an uneasy glance before I all but flee the room. In mine and Rhett’s bathroom, I turn on the shower, trying to stop myself from shaking.

They’re never going to forgive me. I shouldn’t’ve kept it from them. I shouldn’t’ve tried to keep Rhett safe.

In the shower, I thoroughly wash the chlorine from my body and go through my normal haircare routine, plus the hair mask. Like I told Elliot, it takes longer than normal. I think most of the reason why is because I’m avoiding the conversation I know will come once I’m done.

Even so, I’m still finished before I’d like to be. Slowly, I open the bedroom door and step out. Elliot and Oliver are both sitting in the living area with solemn looks on their faces.

Elliot looks up. “Rhett texted me. He’s okay, love. He just needs some space.”

I cling to the small thread of relief, but it’s not enough to quell my uneasiness. I twist my fingers into my oversized T-shirt. “I really am sorry.”

Oliver doesn’t look at me. It’s understandable. This was a vital piece of information for them to have, and I kept it from them. Still, it causes my heart to ache.

“Come here,” Elliot says, patting the couch cushion next to him. When I sit, leaving some space in between us, he threads an arm around me and pulls me closer.

On the couch across from us, Oliver continues staring at the ground. He’s leaning forward with his elbows resting on his knees, keeping his head bowed.

“I get why you did it,” Elliot says. “For the most part, anyway. You were afraid of how Rhett would react?”

I nod silently.

“Okay, that makes sense, given his track record. But if you’d told all of us together, Ol and I would’ve been able to stop him until he calmed down.”

How did I not realize that on my own?

“I’m sorry,” I say quietly. “I didn’t think it through.”

“It’s okay.” Elliot’s voice stays soothing and calm, and I just don’t get it. How the hell is he not angry? “We’ve thrown a lot at you the past couple weeks, love. You judged the situation the best you could.”

I stare at him blankly. Is he serious? Considering Rhett’s reaction, I was expecting Elliot and Oliver to be just as angry. “You understand?”

“Honestly? It’s something I probably would’ve done when we were younger.But,just so we’re clear, it can’t happen again.”