Page 123 of Indulge
“I’m mad because I can’t stop thinking about you,” he says quietly. “And I hate that I’m not supposed to. But, Bel. You ain’t fucked up. That isn’t on you, that is on us. I can’t stop, though, precious. I can’t let you go. I don’t know how.”
My breath catches.
For a moment, neither of us moves. The horses shift restlessly, hooves scraping the ground, as if they can feel it too, that wild electricity twisting between us.
Then I grin. “Good answer.”
He blinks. “What?”
Before he can react, I grab the lead rope hanging from the fence and toss it over his shoulders, looping it loosely, just enough to make my point, and then tie it. I have a devious plan to get the brothers speaking again.
His eyes narrow. “Bella?—”
I take a step back, admiring my work.
“Be a good boy and wait here for me, I’ll be back.”
His laugh echoes after me.
For the first time in days, it feels lighter, like maybe, just maybe, we haven’t completely broken what we are.
56
REGGIE
Song- Jericho, Sleep Token
Bella bursts through the door, lungs heaving, laughter spilling out of her like she’s just escaped a storm.
For a second, I expect Rowan to come chasing in after her. He doesn’t.
“You okay?” I ask, fighting my own grin.
Her cheeks are flushed, eyes bright, and for a moment I forget every reason I shouldn’t touch her.
“Yeah,” she gasps, clutching the table for balance. “I?—”
Her gaze catches mine, and she laughs again, softer this time, like the sound itself might keep her upright.
I step closer, unable to help myself. “Bella King. What have you done with my brother?”
Tears streak down her face from laughing too hard. “He’s… a little tied up right now.”
I arch a brow, tipping her chin up with one finger. “You going to untie him?”
She shakes her head. “Nope. Punishment for being grumpy with me.”
That does it. I grin, all teeth. “Oh yeah? That’s how you dish out punishments, baby?”
Her mouth parts; the air between us snaps tight.
“I wouldn’t punish you that way,” she says quietly. “We’re different.”
Something in me eases. She gets it. She knows that what’s between her and me isn’t about rivalry or replacement, it’s about recognition. She’s the only person who’s ever looked at me and seen me,not a mirror of Rowan.
“You’re such a good girl, Princess,” I murmur. “But tell me… are you too good for me?”
A shadow flickers through her eyes. “No. I think I’m perfect for you.”
