Page 87

“After Antonio left with you, Cesar knocked me out and took me to the apartment he was staying at in Vegas,” he started, seeming reluctant to continue. “He was hurt, naturally, but he also understood that I’d choose you over anyone.”

My heart smiled.

“So, after the drugs wore off and I woke up, he told me what happened. And…” he trailed off, clearing his throat. “You won’t be mad?” His hesitant eyes met mine.

“Nereus, you’re alive. That’s all I care about so nothing you say could make me mad at you,” I reassured him, placing my hand over his and he nodded.

“I decided to stay with him,” he finally admitted. “I—“ He choked out. “I had to be selfish, Nirah.” He licked his lips, then ran a hand down his mouth. “I’m sorry.” He shook his head as though he hated himself for it. “I—“

“Nereus.” I cut him off with a chuckle. “If anyone should be apologising, it’s me.” I squeezed his hand, regret washing over me. “You gave up the love of your life for four years because of me… you deserved to be selfish, okay?”

His eyes glazed over and he sniffled, nodding. “Yeah?”

“Yes.” I leaped into his arms and he chuckled, squeezing me as he buried his face in my shoulder. “You’re not pissed off?” he asked as we broke the hug. “I’m not a selfish bastard?”

I couldn’t stomach the realisation of what I did to him. Had him do. He’d reassured me various times that he’d always choose me, and he didn’t regret it, but I should’ve known better. I should have advocated that he stay. With Cesar. It was my fight, not his.

“I could never be mad at you for that.”

He exhaled sharply, his tensed shoulders slumping as he leaned back, a lopsided grin spreading across his lips.

“Actually, I am mad at you.” I straightened my spine. “How dare you leave me and Silvia to fend for ourselves against this jackass.” I pointed my thumb over my shoulder and he laughed, before shooting upright.

“Silvia’s here?”

“Do I have some stories for you…” I rose to my feet. “But we can’t talk here.” I glanced around, nodding for him to follow me.

I practically skipped to my bedroom, shutting the door behind us.

I sprinted to my bed, jumping on it and his smile was wide as he plopped down next to me, hands behind his head and feet crossed at the ankles.

“So this is the famous bedroom.” He glanced around and I nodded. “Is it the same as…”

“Yep.” I nodded. “Everything was left untouched when I walked in for the first time.”

He sucked in air through his teeth and I pressed my lips together, not needing him to say another word.

He and I got comfortable as I shared what had been happening so far. Before I knew it, hours had passed.

My bedroom door opened and Sally appeared, yawning as she rubbed her eye. “Nirah?” she murmured, entering my room and I got up, walking over.

“You okay?” I asked, scooping her up and she clung to my front like a little monkey with her head on my shoulders.

“I had a nightmare,” she mumbled as I shut the door.

“Oh my God— how do you already have a seven year old?” Nereus blurted out and I chuckled, shaking my head at him as I rubbed Sally’s back.

“I wasn’t done filling you in,” I said, slipping her underneath the covers and making sure to pull them up to her shoulders. “And she’s six.”

“Antonio?” Sally lifted her head with tired, squinted eyes as she looked over at Nereus.

He scoffed. “Oh no, honey, Antonio could never look this good.”

I couldn’t help but throw my head back with laughter and Sally frowned up at me.

“Sally, meet Nereus. My twin brother.”

She gasped, then yawned. “Cool.”