Page 71 of Forever Cursed

“Someone forgot to tell the girls I wasn’t coming tonight,” Max chastises Ash.

“I didn’t forget. I was hoping they would sucker you into going.”

“Fuck me . . .” Max grumbles.

“Oh, I wasn’t expecting this,” Rome blurts out when he appears in front of the doorway.

“Rome! My favorite blondie, please tell the girls I can’t go. You’ll have fun without me.”

Rome’s expression falls. “You’re not coming with us?”

“Oh. . . fucking, fine! Fine, you win. I’ll get changed.”

“Really?!” Gwen and I squeal at the same time.

“Yes, I accept defeat. Give me ten minutes.”

“Thank you!” I kiss his cheek obnoxiously, and he cringes.

“Family outing!” Ash cheers while Zack appears next to Rome.

“Looks like you won’t be fifth wheeling it tonight.” Rome nudges Zack’s arm and smirks.

“Thank god. Before we go, though, you.” My brother points at me. “We need to talk.”

I follow Zack into the kitchen while the others finish getting ready.

I had to fight the desire to hug Rome and kiss him until my lips went numb. His ocean-scented skin is intoxicating, proving tonight is going to be a challenge.

Zack pulls a stool out and gestures for me to sit. As I get comfortable, he settles beside me and rests his elbow on the counter. He looks at me for a moment.

When I look at him, I still see the boy I grew up with.

Zack and I aren’t identical twins. He has black hair, while mine is gold. I don’t have my freckles anymore, but my eyes are the same as his.

We’ve been through it all together. Looking back, our relationship was never strained. Sure, we had our ups and downs, and his protective streak kicked into high gear when I started dating in middle school. But it never drove a wedge between us. He never took his frustration out on me. He would voice his concerns about the guys I was interested in and then tell me he was there if I needed him. The snide remarks didn’t come until later, and it was only because I started taunting and teasing him about his protectiveness. I knew and still know that I can go to him about anything. He only has my best interest at heart.

“I’m sorry we haven’t gotten the chance to talk yet. We’ve both been understandably busy,” he starts. “I wish you had told me about your feelings toward Rome.”

“I didn’t want to hurt you. I didn’t want you to think I was betraying you.”

“When have I ever put something like that into your head?” He turns to face me, his expression soft yet full of disappointment.

“Never. You never made me feel like I couldn’t tell you anything.”

“So why? Why didn’t you tell me? Why did I have to learn about this from Rome?”

“I was scared.” I stumble over my words. “I didn’t want you to feel like I wasn’t taking your feelings into consideration. I passed the feelings off as nothing more than a crush. For seven months?—”

“Seven months?” His voice raises slightly in shock. “Chrissy. . .”

“I—I don’t have a valid reason other than I was scared of pushing you away.”

“I know how I am. It started becoming abundantly clear when Gwen started seeing Ash. I’m too protective, and it comes across as toxic. I’m trying to be better. I don’t want either of you to be scared to tell me anything because you’re afraid of how I’ll react.”

I nod solemnly. “I’m sorry. You’re right. I should have talked to you sooner.”

Zack reaches out and squeezes my shoulder. “I’m happy for you. Rome is a good guy. I know he’ll take care of you and that you’ll take care of him. But please, for the love of the universe, don’t let me catch you two making out or fucking on the other side of the door. I don’t want another Gwen and Ash flashback.”

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