Before I'm able to truly relish her body crushed against mine, she wriggles to get free and I reluctantly help her to the ground. She inches away, her head down, deliberately avoiding eye contact.
I wait, reminding myself that I created this situation, and as much as I fucking hate it, I need to wait her out, be patient. Eventually, she faces me with her lips pinched, cheeks flaming, and brow creased as she swallows uncomfortably.
"Sweetness," I try again, taking a step toward her as she holds up her hand to stop me.
"Evan."
From behind me, someone interrupts. "Carys, you okay?"
She glances his way, then back to me. "Yeah, I'm fine." Brushing a stray lock from her face, she inhales deeply. "How are you?" Her voice wavers.
"I missed you." I'm not able to contain my emotions.
All I want is to have her back in my arms. She needs to know that I missed her and shouldn't have left her. At the time, it was for the best, but now that I'm through to the other side, I see that perhaps I could have done it another way. Either way, I fucked up. I fucking need her back in my life.
"Are you back? For good?"
Her questions are more clinical than caring. Like her words, her body takes on a rigidity I'm not used to. The strong woman I know and love is very much present, although she's also holding back. She's likely remembering that she's pissed at me, and soon, she'll end our conversation. I need to move fast.
"Yes, and we need to talk." I step closer and she edges behind the bar. It's now a barricade between us. I couldn't get to her even if I wanted to, and it's obvious she wants it this way. I hate it, but I get it.
"We don't have anything to say to each other. Last time we spoke, you made it perfectly clear that we were over."
"Sweetness." She visibly recoils at my name for her. "Please talk to me."
"We have nothing to talk about."
Despite her attempt at apathy, the pulse point in her neck flutters rapidly and her cheeks are the prettiest shade of pink. I'm aroused, knowing she's rattled and I'm to blame. If she didn't care, she wouldn't react like this.
"Sweetness … "
"Do not call me that."
Her bitter tone matches the anger rolling off her, and it physically hurts. Each word pummels me like a heavyweight champion's punches, but I take it. I deserve it, but I won't honor her request. She's only ever been my sweetness, and she always will be.
"Sweetness."
With a low growl, she darts through the swinging doors into the back of the building. I follow her into the family's personal space.
"Hey," the onlooker who interrupted before calls at my back, but I keep going.
She's halfway up the stairs and I'm on her heels when the guy grabs my shoulder from behind.
"Fucking let go."
I'm being an asshole to the guy and normally, I wouldn't. At the very least, I'd thank him for looking out for her, but that's not gonna happen when he's in my way. Carys turns to see me forging ahead, with the guy trying to stop me.
"Derek, it's okay." I hate that she speaks civilly to him but will barely even glance at me. "I know him. We're just going to talk."
"Are you sure?"
///
His grip tightens as he eagerly waits for her to say the word. This guy has no clue who I am. He has no idea how fast I could take him down, have him unconscious, or worse, end his life without batting an eyelash. I wouldn't do it, but I could.
"Yeah, thanks."
Before he can release his hold, I shake him off and follow her into Ma's space.
We're now in the narrow hallway of the apartment that was once my home. Standing face to face with Carys, mere feet apart, all I want to do is smile, laugh, and cry. The great memories wash over me, soothing my guilt and regret. I missed this place, my home, my family, and most of all, my woman.
"Talk. You've got three minutes, then I want you out."
She forgets that I know her. We don't need words for me to see that she's angry and hurt. It's in her expression and posture, but there's also love. Her love for me is as true as the sky is blue.
Even with that, I knew I'd have to work for this. She's not going to make it easy, and that's okay. I'll beg and barter with her. I'll do anything she wants, as long as she takes me back, or at the very least, gives me a shot. I fucked this up, but once I explain, she'll understand.
What we have is rare, pure, and true. She won't walk away from that. At the time, I had my reasons, but no matter how hard I tried to walk away, I couldn't.
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