Page 121 of Damaged Prince
Thankfully, Owen woke up not too long after he got there. It was a relief to say the least.
Still. I couldn’t stop my brain from shutting off. All I wanted to do was go to him, beg him to talk to me, to tell me what was wrong. Demand he let me get him help. To tell him that I cared about him, that I think I’m in love with him.
“Did you get any sleep?” Kai asks, stepping into my room.
“No.” I groan, forcing myself to sit up. He looked good. Too damn good, his sleep pants slung low on his hips, no shirt on.
He frowns, and it still somehow looks sexy on him. “You need sleep.”
“I need to make sure Owen is okay,” I huff, throwing off the blankets.
Kai follows me to the bathroom, wrapping his arms around me as I brush my teeth.
“He’s going to be fine, baby.” He kisses my shoulder.
I stare at him in the mirror. “But is he? This time, sure. But what about next time?” My heart aches. “He’s not okay, Kai. He’s in pain. He’s hurting. He needs help.”
“He won’t let anyone help him,” Kai grunts.
“Don’t you think I know that?” I spin in his arms, head tilted back to look up at him. “Doesn’t change the fact he needs it. If he won’t take it, someone should force it on him.”
“It doesn’t work like that, Sweetheart,” Kai sighs, pulling me into his strong embrace. “He’s an adult. He makes his own choices."
“Well, they’re the wrong ones,” I pout.
“I know.” He sighs, rubbing my back. “It kills me too. I hate seeing him like this. He’s my family. And I hate seeing what it does to you.”
“I wish I did more.” I lean my cheek against his chest, right over his heart, listening to the steady beat.
“There’s nothing more you could have done. You asked him to talk to you, but he wouldn’t. You told him you cared about him and wanted to help, but he didn’t want it. You can’t force someone to make their life better if it’s not what they want. You’re only going to cause yourself more pain.”
“I was selfish, Kai.” I sniff. “While his life was spiralling, I’ve been off, being happy with you, with Eli, with Logan. What about him?”
“Don’t,” Kai growls softly. “Do not blame yourself for living your life. You have every right to be happy. Just because he’s going through something doesn’t mean you have to put your life on hold. You were willing to help him, just like you did with Logan and Eli. You were willing to stand by him and help take on his burden. But unlike his brothers, he didn’t let you. So you are not to blame, Sweetheart.”
I don’t say anything, not really believing what he’s saying, but not wanting to argue. I’m too tired and sad.
Once I’m done getting ready for the day, I head downstairs. “Hey, my love,” Mom says as soon as I step into the kitchen.
My face slips into a frown as I run over to her and take the hug she freely offers me.
“It’s gonna be okay,” she soothes. “He’s gonna be okay. James is with him right now. He’s gonna make sure Owen will be alright.”
“I hope so.” If anyone can get through to him, it has to be James, right?
Wrong. Because not even five minutes later, the house erupts into chaos.
“Fuck you!” Owen’s angry voice booms through the house.
My eyes snap up to Mom’s and over to Kai’s before I’m up off my feet to see what’s going on.
“Owen, you have a problem. You need help,” James urges, a mix of anger and worry on his face.
“I don’t need anything,” Owen shouts back.
“Stop bullshitting yourself,” Logan growls, the group of them now standing in the foyer of the front door. “You are a fucking drug addict and a drunk.”
“Wow,” Owen snorts. “Real fucking nice of you, brother.”
