Page 58 of Dismantle & Prevail
“I-I’m sorry. I know I’m broken and a mess. After everything you’ve been through and having the strength to tell me how you feel, now you have to face this. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. I didn’t know that our paths would cross like this, so I never thought to mention it. I thought it was going to be the burden I’d have to bear alone for the rest of my life and something I try to forget as often as possible. It kills me knowing I may never be able to have a child, but now sitting here in front of you, someone any person would love to have kids with, and I have to tell you, I can’t. And now I’m—”
“Stop,” Aries commands, interrupting me.
His hand moves to cup the side of my face with a gentle yet firm grip, holding me in place. “Listen to me when I say this. If you are broken, that means I’m broken, too. Just because someone hurts us beyond repair doesn't mean we cannot live a happy life while slowly piecing ourselves back together. Yes, I lost my daughter. It hurts like hell every day, but I’m choosing to live in her memory and not let my life remain static. I want to live every day to the fullest as if she were right alongside me, so that when I see her again, I have stories to tell her that will last a lifetime. But you have one thing very wrong. Do you know what that is?”
“No?”
“There isn’t a thing on this earth that would make me not want you. I want you just how you are. Would I love to have miniature Taylors running around? Yes. But if it’s not in the cards for us, it’s okay. I had my little girl and although I wish she was here every fucking day, having another child scares me. I lost one and truthfully, losing another may break me. So, if you find it in your heart to allow space for me, know that my feelings are not dependent on something you cannot control. If I have you by my side and my little angel’s memory tucked in my heart for the rest of eternity, I will be happy.”
I’m speechless. Completely and utterly speechless.
Once again, Ari has somehow taken my worries and absolved the fear in a split second. How this man speaks so eloquently, I will never understand.
Before I realize what I’m doing, I lean in and brush my cold lips against his. Ari doesn’t hesitate. He presses his lips fully against mine and I sink into his chest.
I need this. Just for a moment. Just to forget and allow myself to see what life would be like if I wasn’t so scared.
Our lips move in sync and just as I find myself wanting more, Ari pulls away, his cheeks flush.
“Careful Butterfly. You kiss me like that again and I will think I finally have my answer.”
My head drops to his shoulders in defeat. “Finally? It hasn’t been that long.”
Ari guides me back to meet his gaze, “When you have waited for what feels like an eternity for the person who feels like the glue to your broken soul to finally notice you and she gives you a tiny drop of attention, everyday feels like forever.”
Once again, I am rendered completely speechless. I am not able to formulate a thought after that mind-altering kiss, but I know one thing for certain.
Aries: 3
Taylor: Destroyed, but can see the light at the end of this very unexpected tunnel.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Taylor
Mycomputerthreatenstofall to the floor as Reagan and Tucker plop down on either side of me.
Clutching my computer to my chest, I rip my headphones out, glaring at both of them.
“What the fuck, assholes? You almost sent my computer to an untimely death.”
Reagan shrugs and pulls her legs up to sit criss-cross on the couch. Her now pink hair is wet and resting against her oversized graphic tee.
“Sorry, Tay. We’ve been looking for you forever. Whatcha doin’ hiding in here?” Tucker says, his tattooed arm resting behind me on the plush couch.
“Tuck. How the hell are you shirtless? It’s thirty degrees outside!”
He waves his hand, dismissing me. “Don’t avoid the subject, Tay. Why are you hiding out back here?” He tries to take my laptop and I swat his hand away.
Tugging down the sleeves of my Braveheart sweater, I hold my computer closer to my chest. “None of your business. And it’s quiet in here. Free of nosey asshats.”
I glance around the alcove tucked in the back of the shop. I come here often to get away from the noise within the compound. It’s a small area with room for a couch that faces a bay window, two large recliners framing either side, and a small wooden table that sits in the center.
“Whatever you say, Tay. Now that we have your attention. Is there something you would like to tell us?” Tucker asks.
My eyebrows furrow in confusion, and I glance at Reagan for translation of Tuck’s nonsense.
Reagan leans over the side of the couch, grabbing a blanket from the basket and covers herself. “Don’t look at me. I’m on his side. I thought we were friends, Tay. Now you’re keeping secrets from us. What the hell?”
