Page 173 of Losing Faith

“Sire is insufferable, but he cares. He’s a family man and it’s his only redeeming quality, but it’s a hell of a good one to have. You can let him help you or you can leave and run to get even higher, but you hitting Isa will be the last memory she has of you because you’re either going to kill yourself or Jackson simply isn’t going to let you near his kid with a ten-foot pole in this condition.”

I flinch as his words hit me so damn hard they physically sting. Taking a step away, my eyes fall to the ground and I turn on my heels, too embarrassed that my dirty laundry was aired out to a man I barely know.

Wanting to change the topic, I turn on my heels. “Why are you in therapy?”

His brows furrow before he realizes I don’t want to be the only one who’s uncomfortable. “I have a bad temper and I don’t want to end up like my dad.”

I nod in return and before I can ask him to elaborate he speaks up.

“That’s all you’re getting. I barely even know you.”

I bite back a smile and I really do like his attitude. “Sire was wrong about you.”

“And he’s going to continue to be wrong about me. I’m not the same asshole I was in college. I genuinely care about Sage, so much it fucking hurts, and by default, I care about everyone who shares her last name.”

A bitter smile touches my lips. “I’m not a Hale.”

“Like hell, you’re not.”

We both turn to face Sire and his anger is void of his expression.

“Let me catch you saying you’re not one of us again, and I’m kicking your ass,” he warns before closing the distance between us.

I try to bite back a smile, but I’m sure I’m failing. I take a step away, but he catches me and wraps his arms around my head. “You’re killing me.” He sounds like he’s in actual pain as he holds me close.

“Let me help you, Lisette. You deserve the support. You deserve to be loved, to see the sunrise tomorrow. You’renota burden. You’re a fucking headache, yeah, no shit, but you’re my headache.” He kisses the top of my head and I look up at him, tears threatening to spill from my eyes.

His eyes soften as he kisses my forehead.

“I take it back,” I force out and more tears spill before he pulls me closer.

Chapter Fifty-Two

Lisette

“Jacksondoesn’twanttohavesex with me.” I pull away from Sire’s hug, wiping my tears. “I have no clue what he’s waiting for because he’s clearly attracted to me. There’s no way all that is just morning wood and—”

“You know,” Sire starts, his eyes shut as he pinches the bridge of his nose. “I really don’t need the details from your high ass right now.”

I stifle a laugh and he doesn’t look pleased as he looks back over at me. I know what that face means and I roll my eyes before walking to the living room.

“Can we talk about him instead of my high ass?” I know I have a few minutes left in me before my brain crashes and I’d rather not spend the next few hours of my high talking about my high.

“Fine, but we’re going to talk about this later.”

I nod in return before my weight drops on the couch. I feel the drugs taking over every ounce of me, and before I can soak in the euphoric feeling, he forces me to sit up. “I’m not letting you enjoy this. Stay awake.”

I let out a sigh as I force my eyes open.

“When did you two even start… that?”

“Thatas in dating or me feeling his amazingly impressive morning wood?”

“Jesus Christ,” he mumbles and I bite back a laugh. He turns to me, remaining serious and I appreciate that he doesn’t look too disappointed in me. “What are you two doing?”

I almost make another sex joke, but decide to get this over with. “Dating… I think?” I reach for his face, wanting to touch the scar on his nose but he pushes my hand away.

“You think you’re dating? What’s confusing about it?”

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