Page 5 of The Destruction You Desire

"It's okay. I've got you," she soothes as I cry on her shoulder.

"K-Kayden, is he okay?" I finally manage to stutter once my sobs have subsided.

"He's playing with Elijah. He's fine."

Aunt Fee maneuvers me to a dining chair before pouring me a generous glass of vodka. I look up at her with my brow quirked.

"It'll take the edge off," she says, pushing it closer.

Wrapping my fingers around the glass, I decide I need more than the edge taking off and knock the whole lot back in one.

I groan as it burns down my throat but it's a welcome relief from the pain in my chest.

"I can't believe that just happened," I admit quietly.

"You knew it was going to eventually," Aunt Fee says, being the voice of reason.

"Yeah, I know but not like that."

Pushing the glass aside, I drop my head to my arm and suck in some calming breaths.

"Where's he gone?"

"No idea. I just told him to leave."

"You did?" The shock in her voice drags my head back up.

"Yeah, why?"

"N-nothing. It's nothing."

"Aunt Fee, now isn't the time to skirt around this shit. Just tell me whatever it is you want to say."

"I didn't think you'd have it in you. I know a lot has happened, but I also know that you still love him."

My chin drops as I stare at her in shock.

I already know that I'll always love Luca. The problem is that the Luca I love doesn't seem to exist anymore.

"He's not the same person anymore, Aunt Fee."

"Nor are you, sweetie. Just take it one day at a time. All of this, it's a lot to take in. What you're doing right now, it's not easy. You need to give yourself a break."

"I know but Kay—"

"Kayden is going to be okay, Peyton. He's got both of us, maybe some more family in the wings depending on how this goes. He's loved so much. You'll be surprised how far that will get him."

"I miss them," I confess.

"I know, sweetie. Me too."

"Why don't you go and clean up a little bit and then go see that sweet boy. He's been so excited for today. He wanted to make it so special for you."

The lump that's still lingering in my throat grows once more.

"I don't deserve him."

"You deserve the world, Peyton. And if Luca can't see that, then fuck him."