Page 16 of King of My Heart

Not directly. But it was part of our nightly discussions.

I was the one studying him now. His gaze was locked on the window.

“It’s okay if you don’t want to discuss it now. But…maybe someday?” I asked, my voice filled with hope.

He didn’t respond, his fingers tapping on the chair's armrest. The silence stretched, and I wasn’t sure if he was ignoring me or just thinking about how to tell me to leave.

“I started to wonder more about you the more Julian mentioned your name. I just know that his side of the story isn’t the full truth. And since I’m here now, I would really like to find out your side. And while I’m not with him anymore, I would still like to get you two to meet and talk.”

“And what in the world doyouget out of that?” he asked.

His question was very valid.

I shrugged and took a moment to gather my thoughts. “I don’t know, probably nothing. I know this isn’t really about me, but I have a strong feeling that I can help you get some closure. After everything Julian told me, it just feels right to hear your side too. I thought, if I could help in any way, it might clear the air.”

Caspian’s sharp gaze met mine again, and I could see that he was analyzing me. “You’re still a kid,” he said, his voice steady.

“I’m twenty-one,” I countered, trying to inject a bit of confidence into my voice.

“Still a kid,” he muttered. “You think you can just waltz in here, play mediator between father and son, and somehow expect to change things? Nothing is that simple.”

“Maybe not,” I admitted, my nerves re-emerging. “But if you care—which I imagine you do, at least a little—what’s stopping you from trying?”

The corner of his mouth twitched. “You have guts, I’ll give you that,” he said, a hint of approval in his voice.

I smiled gently, feeling the tension between us ease again. “I’m not forcing you, Caspian. I just think it would be nice. For you and Julian. I can give you some time to think about it. I’ll be here for two weeks, anyway.”

Caspian sighed. “And what if I told you to fuck off right now and leave me the fuck alone?”

I shrugged. A sharp feeling stung my heart. “I’d respectfully keep my distance, but I wouldn’t leave because I already paid for the tiny house for the next two weeks. And I really like it there.”

He laughed dryly, running his hands through his surprisingly full hair. “Stubborn little thing.”

I didn’t know if that was a compliment or an insult, but I let it slide. And, in a way, him calling melittle thingdid something to me in a weirdly sexual way.

There was silence again. He stared at me like he was trying to decide if I was worth the trouble. Just like Theresa had.

For some reason, Theresa was scarier.

Finally, he spoke. “You really aren’t leaving.”

“Nope.” I couldn’t hide a grin. It seemed like he was letting his guard down.

“Don’t get your hopes up, kid. I’m not just going to open up to a stranger who used to date my son who I haven’t seen in years.”

“I’ll take my chances,” I said with a small smile.

Caspian scoffed, shaking his head. “We’ll see how long you last around me.”

Chapter 4

DARWYNN

I was still in his house.

Even after he threatened that I wouldn’t last long around him, I was still there.

And he even made me tea.

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