Page 33 of The Magic of Betrayal
"I'm going home. We both need to cool down." I turned and walked away, straddling my bike, my breaths still coming in heavy pants. Firing up the engine, I didn't look over at her when I drove by, for all I knew she had already gone back inside.
Raindrops began falling from the sky and I unleashed a torrential downpour, not caring that I was absolutely soaked, I was hopeful the rain would wash away some of this anger. This fucking fear of losing somebody I cared about. Fuck, I couldn’t go through that again. The only way I was able to tolerate the jobs the guys and I did was because they were all trained and they didn't make careless decisions that put themselves in danger. Honestly, I would be feeling the exact same way if any of them ever pulled a stunt like this.
I drove around for about an hour before heading back to the apartment and trudging upstairs, soaked to the bone and still in a piss poor mood.
"Hey Jacobs, you good?" Johnny was sitting in the living room watching something on TV.
"Fine." I stepped out of my boots and ripped my shirt over my head making my way to the washer and dropping it inside, then quickly ridding myself of the rest of my clothing and putting that in with the shirt. Johnny had seen me butt naked many times over the years and I really couldn't give a shit less right now. I needed a shower.
He didn't look my way when I walked through the kitchen and headed for the bathroom, and when I came out after my shower, he had pulled out the sofa bed and was snoring like a lumberjack. Well good, I wouldn't have to interact with anyone.
Just as I was about to go into my bedroom, a hand grabbed my arm and pulled me into another one, backing me up against the wall with a growl, letting me know Kai was back and he was furious.
"What the fuck, Kaito?" I barked and he pressed himself up against my chest, getting in my face, eyes flashing yellow.
"I understand that you have some real issues from what you went through when you were younger, but if you ever disrespect my mate like that again, I will kick your big ass. Do not fuck with my woman, Cam. Sort your shit out and tell her about your past, because your relationship with her will suffer until you do. I'm going back to the cottage. Get yourself straight."
He brushed past me on the way out, and I just stood there breathing heavily and letting the weight of his words sink into my brain. Shit. My hands ran through my wet hair, and I wanted to pull it out.
Slipping into bed naked, I laid awake staring at the ceiling, the reminder of my childhood bringing the ghosts that I tried to keep buried to the forefront of my mind.
"Cam! Hunter! Get your shoes on, we need to leave in five minutes!" Mom called out to us and we dropped our Nintendo controllers. I flicked the TV off and we raced to the front door. Mama B was already closing the trunk of the van, everything all packed and ready for our annual week long vacation in the mountains. The cabin was the highlight of our year, and we were bursting with anticipation. Swimming, fishing, bonfires, cooking out. I loved everything about it.
Swinging my arm around my brother's shoulder, we made our way to the car and hopped inside, all smiles.
"Mama B, did you bring the gummy worms? We can't have a road trip without them!" Hunter questioned and Mama B held up a package of neon sour worms, a Jacobs road trip staple.
"You should know I'd never forget the worms, sweetie. Now buckle up, let's get a move on so we can get there before it gets dark out.” We did as she asked and Mom slid into the passenger seat, reaching over to take Mama's hand as we backed out of the driveway.
I tried so hard to remember every detail I could about that moment, the last time we were at the house together as a family. It had been fifteen years now, but just the thought of them made tears prick my eyes. I could almost hear their laughter and happiness in the dark and empty room with me. Sleep likely wouldn't come easy tonight, but I closed my eyes and focused on my breathing in an attempt to push the memories back down.
* * *
Sun was shiningthrough the curtains, so I must have overslept. Not surprising given the fact that I'd tossed and turned for what felt like hours the night before. But I felt good now that I had some semblance of what I wanted to do with Saige. I was feeling like a real asshole, but I still believed I had a right to be upset and I needed her to understand where I was coming from, and that I wasn't just being a dick who wanted to boss her around or track her every move.
Pulling out my phone, I typed out a message and sent it off before I could think too hard on it.
Me:Can I take you out tonight? I want to talk to you about some things and apologize for last night.
Not waiting for a response, I rolled out of bed, and slipped on some sweats. The scent of fresh coffee pulled me to the kitchen, I was such an addict. Music met my ears and I lifted my brow in surprise as Johnny danced around the kitchen, grinding his hips to the beat of the song.
"Never would've guessed you were a Lizzo fan," I chuckled, grabbing a mug and filling it up with piping hot coffee.
"Just distracting myself, not much else to do in this town. There's a lot of things you don't know about me," Johnny replied, taking a drink of his own coffee.
"Why do I have a feeling that I want it to stay that way?" Shaking my head, I took a sip of my drink, and stretched backwards to loosen my back up a little.
My phone vibrated and I pulled it out, unlocking the screen and finding a message from Saige.
Little witch:Sure. What time are you thinking?
She must still be pissed. No emojis, and that was a really short reply for her standards. Not that I blamed her.
Me:I'll get you at five. I'm taking you to dinner first, but we'll be on the bike, so dress accordingly.
Little witch:*thumbs up emoji*
Laughing, I tucked my phone away and found Johnny studying me from across the island.
