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My heart somersaults in my chest at his words, beating so fast, a part of me wonders if it will explode. “No, it’s not,” I whisper back because this feeling is too much.
Hearing Aiden say this is too much.
“Yeah. It is, Cass.” Lifting my hand, he brings it up to his lips and kisses my knuckles. “Ever since you agreed to this crazy plan, my life—my life has been better.”
My hand begins to shake in his grasp. “Aiden.” So many words rush through my mind, but all I can manage is his name.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do when you’re gone,” he mumbles as he moves his free hand and kneads at his temples.
The harshness and unmanaged control that Aiden possessed when I first arrived is absent. Today, he looks like a different man. A man who knows his struggles and is trying every day to master them.
He looks comfortable. Happy.
How can I ever take this look away from him? How can I risk it?
I’ll do it after they win the round.
You have to. You have no choice.
The truth always finds a way to come out.
As much as I’d love to bottle up this moment and keep things just like this, I refuse to live in a lie. It’s not fair to either of us.
I hold his stare and smile sadly. “Whatever you do, tell me you won’t forget me.”
He narrows his eyes on me. “I’d never forget you. I—”
“Pinky promise on your puck?” The words rush out, desperation taking hold.
His brow furrows. A strangled look passing over his face. At first, I’m not sure why his mood has changed. But when his jaw locks and he drops my hand, I realize what’s happened. What I’ve just said.
It’s not the sort of thing you’d forget.
A simple promise exchanged by two friends. One born out of hope and fear of being forgotten.
“Aiden…” I start, trying to work out what I’m going to say.
I knew this day was coming, but I didn’t want it to be like this.
“What…” He shakes his head. “What did you say?”
My mouth opens, but words don’t come out. I’m suddenly speechless. Unable to form words. My heart hammers in my chest, and panic threatens to overtake me.
“Let me explain.” My voice pitches.
I watch as Aiden funnels through a series of emotions. Confusion. Shock. And now… anger.
“What”—he draws the word out—“the fuck did you say?”
I shake my head, trying to think of something to say, anything to say.
Where did you go?
Have you missed me?
Please don’t hate me.
“I-I—”
