Page 17 of The Sculptor

Something deep.

Something everlasting.

Something like redemption.

Ray: If we’re still only telling half-truths, you should know I don’t love Langston. Because I can’t love anyone… except you.

Relief pours through my body like a soothing balm, coating all the anxiety I’ve had since I saw her in Langston’s arms.

She loves me.

She—

The phone is snatched from my hands, and all I can do is square my shoulders, facing the rage as my brother reads her message aloud. “Are you fucking kidding me, Duke?”

After years of living with his Hulk-like anger, I don’t even flinch when he takes a menacing step toward me. “Stop this.” He shoves the phone at my chest—hard. “You’ll stop whatever this is right now. I won’t let you do this to our family again.”

I take the phone and shove him back, ready for an all-out brotherly brawl in the elevator. “Hear me, brother, because I won’t repeat myself.”

My jaw hardens as I back Vance up against the wall. “I will not play the good guy this time. I’m done bowing to tyrants for a bullshit cause. No one, and I mean no one—not even you—will get in my way. Ramsey Ford is, and always will be,mine.”

Ramsey

Just so you know, I was drunk earlier when I sent you that text.

I’ve done some dumb shit in my life, but nothing as stupid as having a few shots and texting my old flame that I was incapable of loving Langston because I. Still. Loved. Him.

Heaven freaking help me.

What a mess.

And all because I couldn’t resist Duke Potter’s charm.

But I should have known I’d react recklessly. Duke has always had this secret door to my freaking heart. No matter how many times I’ve tried to board it up and barricade it from corner to corner, he keeps finding a way inside.

Like now, when my phone chimes with his response.Remind me again. Is that the text where you said you loved me?

See what I mean? The fucker is wittyandcharming.

I was drunk,I fire back.I didn’t know what I was saying.

He doesn’t keep me waiting long for an answer.I’d believe you, Sunny Ray. I would. But I’ve seen you power through my chemistry homework after slamming back three tequila shots. There’s no way you weren’t aware of what you were doing.

Talking to him is pointless.Whatever. I just wanted you to know I made a mistake. I don’t need things becoming more awkward between us the next time you’re here.

There, I did the right thing.

It’s not fair to Duke to know my feelings about him or Langston.

My phone chimes again, alerting me to another text. I should have known Duke wouldn’t end the conversation there.Were things awkward between us? I thought I gave an Oscar-worthy performance, playing the old friend who hadn’t eaten your pussy on the hood of his car.

I feel a deep flush spread along my cheeks.Now you’re being inappropriate and crass.

But despite my words, I grin. He did eat me out on the hood of his car—several times—and those nights were life-changing.

I’m serious, Duke.I text him once more.I can’t mess this up with Langston.

I press send, and my chest aches in response. If Langston didn’t have something I needed, I would lap up Duke’s attention. It’s all I’ve wanted for years. But nothing has changed my circumstances.

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