Page 62 of Love Potion

“Me and my sexuality. I wanted to see if there were any examples of how other people have navigated it, you know?”

“Yeah. Did you find something?”

I nod, chewing on my bottom lip—my go-to move when I’m nervous.

“Are you gonna tell me?” he asks, smiling.

“Hear me out, okay?”

“Always.”

“I think the solution could be non-monogamy.”

Bane’s forehead creases and he pulls his head back slightly. “What?”

“Keeping things open so you can feel free to have your needs met. In the meantime, I’ll keep working on myself and my blocks.”

His jaw drops and he blinks rapidly. “Are you suggesting that I would be in a relationship with you and fuck other people?”

I nod, even as my stomach turns sour at the thought. “It’s not fair for you to put your sex life on hold because of me.”

He lowers his head, rubbing his forehead. “Jerr. My sweet, sweet Jerr.” When he lifts his head, the intensity of his gaze makes my breath hitch. “I’ve waited twenty years. Twenty fucking years, Jerr, to be with you. If you think there’s another person on this planet who could get me in their bed, you’re seriously off base.”

“You say that now because it’s still new, but what if this goes on for…” I shake my head. “Forever. What then, Bane?”

He squeezes my hands. “This is forever. Just us. You and me, Jerr. There’s no chance that I would ever fuck around with someone else when I can be next to you whenever I want. What kind of fucking advice is that? Where did you get it?”

“A forum. There were so many posts about how difficult it can be and how frustrating for the allo partner. I don’t want you to resent me someday.”

He tilts his head back, squeezing his eyes closed, and I know that’s a sign of frustration. Maybe he’s going to rethink this whole thing, which is totally fair. I brace myself for the inevitable. I knew it was too good to be true.

“It’s like you don’t even know me,” he whispers. “I guess I’m fumbling the ball here if you still think I’m not happy with you.”

“You’re not fumbling any balls. You’re amazing, but…”

“But what, Jerr?”

“I’m afraid. I know you’re committed to this. It’s not that.”

He blows out a breath, standing and pacing in front of the bench for a second before he turns and levels me with a serious gaze. “I’ve been with you through every date, every relationship, every promising moment for twenty years. You think I don’t remember what you’ve been through? The things that have been said to you?” He scoffs. “I get that you’re scared because so many people have failed you, but I’m not those guys. I know exactly what I signed up for and I would sign up for you a thousand times over. You can’t shake me, Jerr.”

He joins me on the bench again, turning sideways to face me. “This isn’t how I imagined having this conversation. I’ve been waiting for some perfect moment. Maybe after Comic-Con, or I’d take you out for a fancy dinner.” Bane shrugs. “But you need to hear it now. Ineedyou to hear it.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Jerryn, babe, I’m in love with you.”

My jaw drops.

“And in case you think this is new, it’s not. I’ve been in love with you for as long as I can remember. Every little thing you do lights me up. The way your cheeks turn pink, your amazing laugh, and your eyes. You’ve always seen me like no one else everhas. You see me, beyond my flaws and inadequacies, you see the man I’ve wanted to become so I could be the man you need.”

My eyes well with tears and I breathe in and out slowly.

“So if you think for one second that I’d fuck someone else just to nut, you’re very, very wrong. There are so many ways we can make each other happy that have nothing to do with sex, and in time, we’ll figure out what works together, because there’s love here. I’ve always loved you, and I’m always going to.”

I blink and the tears break free, sliding down my cheeks. “You’re in love with me?”

Bane nods. “Everyone knew it but you.”

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