Page 19 of Dragon's Revenge

He couldn’t do this. He couldn’t start again based on a lie. “I came here because it was the only way I could think of to see you,” he whispered. “I miss you.”

Delton’s eyes widened, and he let go of Oliver’s hands. “You miss me?”

“Yes. I’m not lying.”

“I would never accuse you of lying.”

“I lied to you before.”

Delton hesitated. “I wouldn’t call that lying, but let’s not get into that again. It’s in the past, Oliver.”

“Is it?”

“You don’t think so?”

Oliver shook his head, tears burning in his eyes again. “I think about it every day. How sorry I am for fucking it all up. How much I wish I could turn back time and make a different choice. It’s the biggest regret of my life.”

“Oh, honey, I don’t want you to feel that way. That’s not… That amount of guilt isn’t healthy. I told you I’m not angry with you anymore.”

“But you still keep your distance!”

They both froze. Oliver wasn’t sure who was more shocked by the fact that he’d raised his voice, Delton or him. What the hell? He’d never in his entire life yelled at anyone.

Then, a wide smile spread across Delton’s face. “You raised your voice at me.”

“I’m so?—”

“Don’t be. This is amazing, and I’m so proud of you.”

“You are?”

“Being angry is a normal emotion, and there’s nothing wrong with raising your voice as long as you don’t make a habit out of it. But I’ve never heard you talk like this. I didn’t even know you had it in you.”

“Me neither.” Something broke free inside Oliver, and he smiled back at Delton. “I should be proud of myself, right?”

“Very proud.”

“I think I am.”

“Good. Let’s celebrate. I have chocolate.”

“We’re gonna celebrate that I yelled at you?”

“We sure are.”

When Delton moved to get up, Oliver grabbed his hand. “Delton…”

“What is it, honey?”

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For everything, but mostly for listening even after I?—”

Delton placed a finger on Oliver’s lips. “We won’t mention it again, okay? Let it go. Don’t carry that burden of guilt with you. You apologized. I accepted. It’s good, baby.”

Baby.

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