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“You know what.”

“I need that engagement. And by needing it, I failed her.”

Elijah’s so damn stubborn. His father doesn’t give a fuck who Elijah marries. He just wants to see his son smile for once in his miserable life.

And I’d like to see that, too. Elijah is the closest thing I have to a big brother growing up. He looked out for me, stood up to the bullies, and taught me how to talk to girls.

“I don’t think your dad meant to marry any woman,” I say.

“She said the same thing. I never meant to hurt her.”

“But you did.” I wrap the wound. “What did you expect? Stringing her along while you play fiancé with Esther?”

“I didn’t know what else to do. Dad wanted me to settle down. Esther was convenient, and I thought I could keep Gemma on the side until…”

“You’re a goddamn fool, cuz. Gemma’s not the type of girl you keep on standby.”

“You think I don’t know that?”

“So what now? You gonna keep up this charade with Esther while Gemma walks away?” I finish bandaging his hand. “Bash will kill you.”

“I know.”

“If you’re so in love with her, why not make her your fiancé?”

His eyes meet mine, full of vulnerability and fear—a side of him rarely seen. “I asked her.”

“Really? You got down on one knee? Before or after she called you an asshole? Or was it bastard? A more classy one? Prick?”

“Fine. I didn’t do it properly at all.”

“Well, what are you going to do about it?”

“I don’t have a plan yet. But I will.”

“Talk to her. Tell her how you feel. Sweep her off her feet. And for fuck’s sake, end it with Esther.”

“Is that what you’re doing with Mary? Talking?”

“Why did you tell Mary about us being at the party that night?”

Elijah sighs. “Look, I know you’re pissed. But I was only trying to help… move things along between you two.”

“What are you talking about?” Though I already know the answer.

“You’ve been circling each other for weeks now. It’s time you make a move before it’s too late.”

I shake my head, torn between annoyance and appreciation.

Elijah has always been the meddling type, for better or worse. And his heart seems to be in the right place, even if his methods are questionable. As much as I want to argue with him, I know he’s right. My relationship with Mary has been stuck in limbo, and if I don’t act now, I may lose her forever.

“Did you really think that was going to work?” I ask.

“Didn’t it?”

“Cuz, you really don’t get it. I was this close to getting that fucker Chris out of her head. But after your little stunt? He’s everything she thinks about.”

“Shit. I’m sorry, man. I couldn’t sit back and watch you suffer in silence.”

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