Page 132 of Submission

I want to touch Lena’s hand, maybe to comfort her in some way, but that may be a little strange for both of us. I don’t really do comfort, and I don’t think she does either.

“I know I’ve said this, and maybe Megan has to, but I need you to know that I looked hard for you once I realized that you didn’t die in the fire.”

“I know you did.”

“I hate that you had such a hard life.”

“You’re not responsible for any of it, Hunter. You have to realize that.”

“But it was–”

I’m startled when Lena places a hand on mine, but I make sure to keep mine still and benefit from her touch.

“I know it was bad people who set our house on fire, Hunter, but you were just a kid yourself. You had no idea what they’d do. And don’t worry about me holding any of it against you becauseup until a few months ago, I didn’t even know you existed. I’m just grateful to have you in my life. That’s the truth.”

My head hangs for a moment, shielding my sweet sister from the emotion welling up inside of me. Then, I quickly realize that she deserves to see my emotions. I at least owe her that.

And so I lift my head.

“Thank you, baby sis’. I think I really needed to hear that.”

She stands, leans over, and gives me a chaste kiss on the cheek.

“Not any more than I really needed to say it.”

In this moment I feel the connection between us shift. This was a long overdue conversation we needed to have without the interference of anyone else, and damn, it feels good. It feels so great that I consider leaning in for a hug when I notice Parker approaching with a look of dread that I know all too well.

"What now?"

Chapter 50

Something Is Off

Megan

I’m in a relationship with a complicated man. I’ve known that for quite a while now, yet he still manages to surprise me with some of his decisions. This time, he came home, took a shower, poured himself a scotch, and then proceeded to tell me that we would be moving out of our luxurious penthouse apartment to an undisclosed location in a week.

I mean…what in the actual fuck?

I’m pregnant, and I like this place. I don’t want to move.

“This is not what I signed up for, Hunter,” I tell him, attitude etched in the forehead lines of my face.

“I realize that this isn’t ideal timing, but this is what’s best.”

“What’s best?” I say, rubbing my growing belly. “Best for whom?”

“For all of us.”

“When did you make this decision? I didn’t even realize that moving was even a consideration.”

“I promise you it’s going to be a nice place, nicer than this one.”

“Do you really think I care about that?” I scoff. “What I care about is that you’ve made a decision about my life without even consulting me. Is this what I have to look forward to for the rest of my life if I marry you?” I ask, staring down at my engagement ring. “Does me wearing this ring mean that I’m supposed to say yes to whatever you say?”

“If you marry me?” His face hardens.

“Yeah, if!” I am sure to punctuate the word and then I begin to feel slightly queasy.

---