Page 110 of Control Freak
“Maybe not,” Holden said, “but you are.”
I smiled, heart fluttering. I probably shouldn’t be touched that Holden hated my ex. He’d just gotten so jealous he pushed himself too far. But I couldn’t help but enjoy the way he looked at me, as if I was something precious to be treasured.
Whatever challenges we had as a couple, Holden was worth the effort. More than worth it.
“I was wrong earlier, when I said you were ten times better than my ex.”
He tensed. “You were?”
“You’re one hundred times better.”
A genuine smile bloomed across his face for the first time since he overheard that stupid video message from my ex.
This was the Holden I knew and loved.
The strong, caring, confident man who took care of his family and friends. Who drove six hours to rescue me from a dangerous situation without thinking twice. Who invited me into his room, into his bed, even though that space was sacred to him.
“I love you,” he said quietly.
“I love you too.” I leaned in closer. “And just for the record,nowis the perfect time to say it.”
He grinned. “Noted, teacher. I’ll work on my timing.”
“Aw,” Emory said beside us. “They love each other!”
“Duh,” Bailey said. “Anyone could see that.”
Holden huffed a laugh. “You’re such a brat.”
Bailey shrugged. “What? It’s true.”
Everyone at the table shook their heads and laughed.
“I can’t wait until you get bitten by the love bug,” Emory teased.
“I can’t wait to give him shit,” Axel said. “Payback is sweeeeet.”
“Whatever,” Bailey said. “That won’t happen for like a million years. I’m only nineteen.”
“You’ll be twenty soon,” Gray said. “An old man.”
Everyone continued to razz Bailey about his great love affair just around the corner. About his young naivety. But I thought it was kind of sweet.
When the brothers got like this, it was so easy to see how much they loved each other. How tight their bonds were. How, despite everything they’d gone through, they’d created a family as strong—or stronger—than a bio one.
Emory nudged me. “You’re part of the family now,” he said quietly.
I smiled tentatively. I hoped he was right. I wanted to stay with Holden, wanted to bask in his love forever. But first, he had to believe that love would be enough.
I just didn’t know if he was there yet. No matter how hard I loved him, I couldn’t make him believe.
Only he could do that.
CHAPTER 27
Holden
Shilohand I tiptoed around each other over the next few days. I hated it, even if it was my fault. I shouldn’t have pushed so hard. I’d just wanted to be ready so damn badly.
