Page 17 of The Truth of Our Secrets

“Because I smelled good,” I clarify, teasing him.

“So fucking good.” He makes a show of inhaling deeply.

“Please understand that Alec is my best friend and I would do anything for him. It’s killing me he’s furious and tonight made it worse.” I move to roll away, but Jayce gently holds me in place.

“He suffered so much as a kid. His parents were worse than mine because they suspected he was gay and tortured him. He was bullied before he understood he was gay. The kids knew he was different and preyed on him. Then in college, he blamed himself for his ex’s suicide. The ex’s family blamed Alec as well.” I turn and stare at where the ceiling meets the wall.

“Thank you for not telling me ‘I told you so’ when I told Alec his ex was an addict. In my head, if Alec knew the truth, he’d let go of the past and feel worthy of love. I thought…” I sigh. “I thought he’d be relieved, and he’d stop having meaningless hookups. He’d start dating and fall in love. Obviously, it was a disaster.”

“Either he’s a great actor or he’s dating Von, who seems like a nice enough guy. Aren’t you getting what you want?” His hands thread through my hair.

Seeing the future is both a blessing and a curse. My grandmother would whisper that I have the Irish gift of second sight. My parents discouraged it, but that didn’t make it go away. It’s random and most of the time centers around romantic love.

“I saw the heartbreak Von causes. I’m trying to protect Alec and now I don’t know how.” When I saw them together at the gallery, there was a fiery explosion that left Alec’s heart shattered.

“Remember how badly things went with my favorite abstract artist? We both knew her boyfriend was bad news but didn’t say anything. He cheated and stole from her, and it took her over a year to recover. Telling her could’ve potentially prevented it or helped her leave him before it happened. This time, Icouldn’t stay silent and risk Alec’s heart.” Protecting him from the excruciating pain is the least I can do.

I can help a couple’s future by giving them a push, like I did with Shane and Cole. When I saw them, there were invisible red strings tying their hearts together.

Unlike with Cole’s deceased husband, Paxton, I saw him keeping secrets and a lightning-bolt-shaped crack in their relationship. If I had said something, maybe they could’ve worked it out before Pax died. His death sent Cole into a depression spiral that lasted years. Alec tried to help, but meeting Shane healed him.

Jayce takes my chin with his thumb and forefinger, turning me to face him. “Nothing. You do nothing.” When I disagree, he continues, “Alec’s a grown man free to make mistakes. You can’t protect him.”

“I hate doing nothing.” It will break my heart to sit back and watch Alec fall apart. Alec’s right. Actions have consequences and so does inaction. It’s so hard to figure out the right thing to do.

I wrongly assumed that because I didn’t mean to hurt Alec that he would forgive me right away. Of course, I’m not the center of the universe, but I underestimated how much I hurt him. When I saw him kiss Von, I panicked. We’re so far apart Alec can’t read me like he usually does. His heart can’t take much more pain.

But the vision changed a little tonight. There were tangled red strings and love before an explosion. Maybe if I help their relationship, it won’t end in heartbreak.

As much as I hate the rift with Alec, I’m glad I finally told Jayce about my past. Now that the secret is out, a weight has been lifted.

Jayce still loves me, despite knowing the worst thing I thought was my fault. Being unconditionally loved is a gift.

A gift I wish for everyone I love.

Especially Alec and Emmet.

Chapter eight

Emmet

The petite brunette in my chair is shy but flirting with me. I do my best to smile, but I can’t. Usually, flirting is second nature to me, and it’s encouraged here. Alec sets the tone. We’re a flirty, fun shop.

But I’m irrationally angry with him. Only Alec would leave out our canceled playdate with a fucking ex-pro hockey player. A crucial detail. Who leaves that out?

What a small freaking world.

My client deserves my attention, so I focus on the ink. I’m proud of my butterfly design. It’s colorful and 3D, looking like it will take flight off her shoulder.

The bells on the door jingle. I’m the only one in the shop at the moment, so they’ll have to wait because I’m in the zone.

“Hey, Emmet,” she says behind me and I freeze, almost ruining the tattoo.

My client bites her lip, eyes wide, focusing on Madyson.

After an uncomfortable silence, I blurt out, “You shouldn’t interrupt a session.” In the middle of inking isn’t the time to ask her why she’s here.

“You’re right. I’m sorry.” There’s a silent pause before she says, “I’ll wait in the break room.”

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