Page 99 of Forever Cursed

“Gwen told me that cats can tell whether or not someone is a good person. Korra is a little crazy, but if you were cursed, she wouldn’t be giving you the time of day. And I know you’re a wonderful woman. I knew when you and Gwen were spying on us in the pavilion, before the Halloween party, before we talked to one another in the library. You reflect everything good in this world. I will protect you, even if it means putting my future at risk. You deserve love, and you are worthy. I love you, Chrissy Willows. We may not have a love like Gwen and Ash or your parents, but I know we’re meant for one another. I wasmadeto love you, and I’ll do everything in my power to remind you of that—forever.”

“Dammit, Rome.” I cry harder as Korra starts to purr. “I was supposed to be comforting you. This wasn’t supposed to happen.” I look at Rome and smile through my tears. I taste the saltiness as they land on my lips.

Rome thinks I’m worthy, and I know he is deserving of everything wonderful in this world. He’s lied to me before, but he wouldn’t lie about this. Rome is an upstanding man. If he thinks I deserve love, then it must be true. All my life, I’ve struggled with self-image and self-worth, and as I got older, I worried that a forever kind of love wasn’t in the cards for me. It will take time to internalize and accept these new truths. Change doesn’t happen overnight. But with Rome, I know I can work on myself and these new thoughts and avoid self-sabotaging what we have. Loving Rome will help me discover myself.

“You know I love you, right?” I say through my tears. “And I won’t leave you, ever.”

Reaching forward, Rome takes my hand and squeezes it. “I know now. And I need to trust you. You only want the best for me, just like I want for you.”

“We’re a team,” I say with a loving smile.

“We are, my love. And I’m sorry.”

Korra moves from my lap to Rome’s, nudging into his hand and commanding more scratches. She’s a daddy’s girl for sure, and Rome is such a cat dad.

“I’m sorry I lied to you. I’m sorry I made you cry. I’m sorry I didn’t trust you. You didn’t betray me. I was being an asshole. I prepared myself for the worst because it’s what I’m used to. After all we’ve been through, I should know better, but I’m a fool. I’ll do better. I promise.”

“We’re both messes, Rome.” I inch toward him. Our knees touch, and I rest my palm on his cheek, cooling his hot skin. “Let’s be messes together.”

“I’d love nothing more than that,” he says with a genuine smile.

“These next few weeks are going to be difficult, but we’re a team. You, me, and Korra.”

Korra looks at me again, her lime eyes sparkling with happiness.

“What’s our first step, boss?” Rome asks, and I can’t help but feel content.

“You’re going to work with Raina. Let her help you. Tell her everything about your mom, and work on facing that trauma. I will earn Malik’s trust, and in the meantime, you’ll help Levi. If Malik doesn’t keep his word, we’ll do everything we can to have Levi replace Malik. But Rome... you need to talk to your coach. The best thing for your team isyoubeing captain. We have a plan, trust in it. Trust inus.”

Rome smiles at me, and it makes my heart sing. “I’ll talk to him soon. The vote will be scheduled, and if it goes the way I think it will, I’ll be named captain.”

“Are you excited?” I trace small shapes onto the backside of his hand, trying to comfort him.

“I’m not sure I’ll be any good at it.”

“You’ve been doing it this entire time. I told you during our first one-on-one. Don’t change anything you’re doing, and you’ll be great. I believe in you.” I squeeze his hand and lean forward to place a kiss on his cheek.

“Thank you, sunshine, for everything.”

I wrap my arms around him and embrace him tightly, nuzzling into the crook of his neck and sighing peacefully.

“I’ve always said that I’ll never find a love that was written in the stars. But, Rome, I think I’m finding it with you,” I admit under my breath.

“You are my star. I would burn the world to protect you. I swear to you that I will protect and love you far longer than time will allow us.”

The tears return, and I cuddle into him, dampening his skin. I ball his shirt in my fist and refuse to let go.

Rome Carter... you were the last person I was expecting, but you’re everything I could ever want. You’ll burn the world for me, but I’d let the world end for you.

Chapter Forty-Five

Rome

Gwen told me it might take Korra a couple of days to acclimate to her new environment. Cats are finicky creatures, and they’ll come to you when they’re ready. Well, Korra was ready within two hours of being home, but I wasn’t. This cat isn’t young. Gwen thinks she’s about four or five, but that doesn’t stop her from sniffing every corner and climbing onto every ledge.

Chrissy went back to her dorm. Things are better between us, but our feelings are still fragile. Some time apart won’t hurt us in the long run. Besides, I have a cat that needs my constant attention. I’m afraid if I look away for one second, she’ll bolt and knock something over or, worse, hurt herself.

After a few hours, I gave up. I retreated to my bedroom in hopes she’d follow me. I don’t know why Korra likes me. During my first one-on-one with Chrissy, Korra locked her sights on me and almost claimed me as hers. I wouldn’t say she prefers one sex over the other. She tortured Gwen just as much as she did Ryan. Korra showed Chrissy some attention but then grew tired and cuddled close to me. Do I smell weird or something? Maybe it’s all that salmon I used to eat in high school... It’s finally catching up to me.

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