Page 102 of Anteros' Return

“I’m sorry, you can’t possibly be talking about Mike?”

Her mouth fell open, and it was clear she had no idea what had happened.

“He might be your grandson, Maggie, but you have no idea the lies he told and kept going until recently. I don’t want you to hear them from me, but if he tries to put the blame on myself and Beckett, then I will be the one to fill you in on what thatpreciousboy did.”

“Emily, you and I both know you never liked him the way he liked you, and it’s a shame you have to pretend he did something wrong,” she tutted, unimpressed.

“I don’t need to explain anything to you, but why don’t you ask him why Beckett never came back or why I thought he didn’t want to know his son.” I spun on my heel, not wanting to entertain this conversation anymore.

As I turned, I collided with Beckett’s chest. “Woah, slow down.” It was at that moment he noticed the tears brimming my eyes. He glanced over my shoulder, noticing Maggie behind us.

“Hello, Maggie.” Beckett grimaced.

“Mhm.” She didn’t even have the decency to return his greeting. Everything I used to think about her was on its way out the window. “I see you wormed your way back in then. My Mike never stood a chance.” She scoffed.

“Your Mike knows what he did.” Beckett shut her down, not wanting to add fuel to the fire and start something in the middle of the supermarket.

“This isn’t over. Mike deserves better.”

“It is over, Maggie.” Beckett ended the conversation there and then, leading me back to where I originally wanted to go and not caring if Maggie remained there. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. She has no idea what Mike did, so it’s obvious that she would be on his side.” I sighed, not truly caring if she knew or not. “I guess he really pulled the wool over many people’s eyes, acting like a saint.”

“He’s anything but one of them.” Beckett rolled his eyes so hard I thought he lost them in the back of his head. “Now, let’s get you some goodies for tonight while I’m out. I know that’s what you came here for.” He chuckled, throwing all my favourites in the basket, remembering the exact things I would have picked myself. “Is that everything?”

“I think that’s more than enough.” I took his hand in mine, leading him to the checkout, thankfully not seeing Maggie again.

“Remember what I said.” He smirked as he slid his arms into his jacket.

“Wait in bed for you naked,” I teased, whispering against his ear before kissing beneath his lobe sensually.

“Come to think of it. I don’t need to go tonight. I can just stay here.” He trailed his fingers down my bare arm, desperate need in his voice as he debated staying.

“I promise I’ll be ready and waiting for you when you get home.”

“Em—”

“Beck.” I placed my hands flat against his chest, the warmth of his skin radiating through his shirt. “Enjoy yourself and I’ll see you when you get home.”

I reached up on my tip toes, pressing my lips softly against his, the world momentarily fading away. The kiss was like a gentle breeze, light and tender, and I could feel the faint tickle of his stubble against my skin. As we pulled away, he gave me that roguish grin that made my heart skip a beat.

"I’ll see you later. I love you," he murmured, his voice low and soft, before turning to head out the door.

34

Spending a few hours with the guys was like old times. Ollie was already three pints ahead, and Harry was still nursing the first one.

“So, you and Em are official now then?” Ollie asked.

“She asked me to move in with her and Liam now I’m home, but we skipped the, ‘Are we official now?’ talk. Everything just fell into place, so yeah, we’re together as it was always supposed to be.”

“I’m happy for you, man. There is no one better for you than her.” Ollie nodded before heading in the direction of the bathroom.

“So, you’re really home? No more messing around?” Harry questioned.

“I’m all in, Harry. Your sister is it for me.” I leaned in closer, making sure nobody around heard. For now, anyway. “I have my grandmother’s ring. I plan on proposing to Emily with it when the time is right.”

“Holy shit, you’re all fucking in, aren’t you?!” His mouth fell open as if he didn’t fully believe me in the beginning.

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