Page 48 of If You Love Me

“Meaning?”

He looked over at me with an expression I couldn’t fully read. “I need to tell you something.”

I swallowed hard. “Something like what?”

“Evenie and I… we kissed.”

“You what?”

“The first time—”

“The first time! How many times did you kiss her, Tyrion!”

He hung his head. “Twice. The first time was when I went to pick her up. It was an emotional moment, and when she kissed me, I… I didn’t stop her. I did kiss her back. The second time was Monday. Again, it was an emotional situation. I was trying to comfort her, and it just happened. We both knew it was a mistake the moment it happened.”

I could feel my anger surging. I closed my eyes and counted to ten, trying to remember all the advice my mother had given me about men over the years. When I opened them, he was staring at me, waiting for an answer.

“I’m trying to be understanding, Tyrion,” I said calmly. “I’m trying really not to lose my shit. I know this isn’t my home just yet, but I gave my blessing for her to stay here off the strength of Summer Rose because I love that little girl. I trusted you, and you’re out here kissing her? Honestly, I think it’s best that she stay with her parents. We’re trying to build a life together, Tyrion. I don’t need her here making shit harder by pulling you into her feelings. I get it. Something tragic happened to her. I’m sorry about that, but life for you moved on.”

“She’s not pulling me into her feelings, but her feelings are valid, Iona. We had a life together before you and I ever knew each other existed.”

“Your life isn’t with her anymore, Tyrion. That’s what you aren’t getting. Yes, you have a child together. That’s fine. I’m all for you co-parenting for Summer, but you aremyman.Mine.”

“I know that, baby. This is hard for her. For all of us.”

I scoffed. “Well, if it’s so hard for you, then maybe I should just remove myself from the equation all together. I’ll go get my shit and leave. That way, you don’t have to feel so fucking torn and guilty.”

I stood and stormed into the house toward his bedroom. I could hear him calling my name as I turned the corner andwent down the hall. His bedroom door was already open, so I went in and made a beeline for the drawers that held what little belongings I had over here. When he walked into the room, I was throwing everything on the bed.

“Iona.”

I ignored him as I grabbed my perfume and other miscellaneous items from on top of the dresser.

“Iona, baby, please. Can we talk about this?”

“Clearly, there is nothing to talk about.”

I stormed into his bathroom to grab my toiletries. When I came back out, I tossed them on the bed as well. Going into his closet, I grabbed a duffel bag.

“Don’t worry,” I said, as I threw my things inside. “I’ll make sure I return this.”

“Iona, stop!” He snatched the bag from me and tossed it to the floor.

“Fuck you, Tyrion!” I screamed, tears streaming down my face. “I’m not gonna stand by and watch you leave me for her! If you want her so bad, go fix your marriage! Is that what you want? To be with her? Fine! Forget you ever claimed to love me!”

“I do love you!” he yelled. He stumbled toward me, gently taking me into his arms. “I do love you,” he repeated softly. “I’m sorry.”

I looked up at him with tears in my eyes. “You kissed her.”

“I know, and I was wrong. Believe me, Iona. I don’t want to hurt you. I don’t want to hurt either of you. This is an emotional situation. I’m trying to get my shit together, and I feel like nothing I do is right for anybody.”

“Do you want to be with me?”

“Yes.”

“Then be with me.” I cupped his face. “We were happy before all this, Tyrion. You had me. I had you. We had Summer… We were going to be a family. Don’t ruin that.”

I could see the doubt in his eyes, and desperation filled my core. I cupped his face and kissed him, the taste of the liquor lingering on my tongue.

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