Hate Sober (Love Me Duet 2)

“He still loves you, you know,” Jacinta says.

Surprise filters through me as she looks at me, waiting for me to answer her. I have no words, so she smiles softly. “But I see you don’t see him that way, and he’s worked that out.”

“It doesn’t bother you?” I ask.

“It did when he first told me about you. But then I met you, and I realized you don’t feel the same. I could see it. You love Alec, that much is clear, but as you would love a brother.” She looks over my shoulder and I turn to see her smiling at Alec through the door. His eyes flick to me, and he offers me a tighter smile.

Turning back to her she continues, “You love that other man, and he clearly loves you as well. He wanted to kill Alec when you hugged him. I’ve never seen a man that angry before.”

“We are broken.”

She shrugs. “I thought I was broken, too. Then I met Alec. And I believe he has enough love for the both of us.” I want to tell her not all fairy tales end in a happily ever after. But I don’t. Instead, I take my phone and excuse myself, going straight to my room. I unlock the phone and start reading his messages.

I came today, your father wouldn’t let me in.

The date and time indicate he sent this when I was in the shower. It was the last time I looked at the clock that first day.

He came back. He told me you were sleeping. I just wanted to look at you, to know you’re alive. He said no.

My hands start to sweat as I read them.

I didn’t kill him. It wasn’t me. But I did burn him. You didn’t say I couldn’t burn him.

A sigh leaves me and I close my eyes momentarily, letting it all sink in.

I went to your work. Told your manager you had family business to deal with. And I paid her extra to cover everything.

I want to smile, but I don’t as I continue to read.

Everly, I WILL change for you. I WILL give you everything in this life you ever need.

It’s four hours between that message and this one.

I miss you. I’ve always missed you.

And two minutes between that last and this one.

I love you.

Wetness falls onto my phone. I didn’t even realize I was crying. Wiping at my face, I crawl back into bed and fall asleep.

Maybe tomorrow will be different.

25

Gunner

Space. It’s a strange, obscure word for me. And what does it really mean? I’ve never been good at not getting what I want. Somehow, I always find a way to get it. I’ve been lucky like that, but I have never wanted something, or should I say someone, as much as I want Everly. She is what makes me happy. She is what makes me see a clearer tomorrow. She is what makes me a better man. And for her I will change. I will change everything she asks for.

“Are you sure she’s okay?” Everly’s manager asks me the following day.

I’ve come in to make sure everything’s going smoothly. The last thing she needs is her business going bust, especially with how much she loves it.

“Yes, Everly—”

“Is here.”

We both turn to Everly as she walks up behind me. She nods her head to the manager, and I notice her body is completely covered from neck to toe. She has on jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. Her hair is down, covering her neck, and she has on more makeup than she usually wears, to cover her facial bruising, but her lips are a tell-tale sign something’s wrong.

I pinch my brows together thinking of what pain she must be enduring and I’m amazed with how strong she is. What happened to her could have broken her, and I think it almost did. But she’s a survivor, and I have to give credit where it’s due.

“Thank you, Mary.” Everly watches as her manager walks away before she turns to me. Her eyes harden. I can see her fighting over which emotion will win in the long run. “Why are you here, Gunner?” she asks while she crosses her arms over her chest.

“I didn’t know you would be back so soon. I came to check that everything was going okay and nothing was needed.”

She sighs, blowing out a heavy breath, which makes her hair flicker.

“Thank you. But it’s not necessary. I can handle my own business affairs.”

“I—”

She holds up a hand, stopping me from speaking. I fight back the retort that wants to leave and look up at her instead.

“You wanted me to sell this, remember? What games are you playing at now?” she hisses, leaning in close.

Oh God, her scent wraps around me and I instantly want her. My cock stirs and I smile, not just because of how beautiful she is when she’s angry, but because it’s been so long since I’ve been happy. “It was because I wanted you. Just you. Nothing else. I was wrong.”