Graysonโs POV My relationship with Chase, I didn't really understand. But I understood it with Jessica. When Chase called me angrily to vent about shit Jessica did, I couldn't even speak freely cause I was with her. โWhat the fuck man?!โ He screamed at me. โCalm the fuck down bruh!โ I yelled back at him. โYou don't tell me what to do when we have that bitch with loose lips and loose legs roaming?โ He screamed. โWho's โweโ?โ I asked him. I had no issues with Jessica, none at all. I wouldn't have had any with him if he wasn't so headstrong on being with his stepsister. The line went flat. We both knew there was so much to say, but no batteries to say it. A lot was wrong, far beyond Jessica running her mouth, matter of fact, Jessica was getting her on hell on earth. Chase cut the call on me and I got back to what I was doing. โWhat made you sleep so deep though?โ I asked. โI don't know. I've been sleeping well, I mean I had a shoot yesterday and I couldn't ha
Chase's POV It's been barely a week since I started to get out of the house. In that space, I've seen and done things I never thought I'd do. From using my dad as influence to transfer Rudd, even after I knew that he was having an affair with Jessica and should be punished instead, to seeing Lily trip off the cameras in the security room for some reason. She wasn't really the girl I used to know. So I didn't think it was a smart idea to challenge her. Besides, she hated me badly. And I didn't exactly feel her either. She'd extorted me of two grand in the space of two months. Remembering that made me feel shut, when just a night ago, I had promised Emma that I wasn't gonna be keeping stuff from her, It always unnerved me to see Emma and Lily together. Lily had even begun to sleep over again. Emma's mom and my dad were still not back, I hope Mrs Linda was alright. โWhat the hell is she doing here?โ I dragged Emma behind one of the heavy curtains and asked. Lily had gone up
Emma's POV I started having Lily over soon after the whole drama blew past. I didn't know, and frankly didn't care where she stood Gray. We were having the time of our lives together and that was seriously all that mattered to me. Life was beautiful. I had everybody I wanted in my corner. I was still confused about Chase, and it kinda made me miss my mom. Not like I'd have been able to talk to her about it, but it sure would've helped to have her around. โWhat are you doing here?โ I asked Chase. I had, unsuccessfully, tried to hide my body from him. โLily and I were just trying out waist chains for the prom.โI explained, turning red already. Chase was shamelessly looking at my vagina. I wanted to cover it so bad, but some invisible force held me back. I won't ever be able to explain it. โThat explains a shaved pussy?โ He asked. He had already grabbed all the stuff in my hands, so I had nothing to fling at him. Lately, he's been getting on my nerves, jokingly or intenti
Emma's POV I thought it weird that he'd asked such a question. When did Chase start to give a fuck or two about how I felt or perceived him? โI find it weird that you ask me that.โ I replied to him. โWhy?โ He asked me. โWell cause, for one, I don't think you really give a fuck about it.โ I replied. โThis could be one of those yourโฆ.how do I put it?โ I had a lot to say, but my vocabulary was failing me. โI feel like the issue is, you're prejudiced against me.โ He said. I looked at him in awe. I did not see that coming. โWhat the hell is that even supposed to mean?โ I asked Chase. โEmma, I'm not a fool.โ He said, smiling sadly. โNo good girl wants to be with a stuck up, bad boy, with bad friends.โ Chase grinned, and it scared me all the more. โNo!โ I shouted, he was getting in my head and confusing my thoughts with all the psychological shit he was doing. โNo. That's not it. It's not even close to it Chase, I gave you a chance, at least I think I did.โ I said, setti
Emma's POV Chase grabbed me. I was amazed at the amount of strength he had. I knew he frequented the most fancy gyms in the city, and the home gym of late. โSo all that late night workout finally paid off, huh?โ I asked, tickling him while he carried me like a little girl up the stairs. โYou think I train ninety minutes everyday to catch a falling stranger?โ He shot back at me. โOh, so now I'm a stranger?โ I asked, with exaggerated hurt. โYou can undo that.โ He said, winking at me. โIs that not how you kinda see everyone?โ We walked past my room and his, and I had begun to wonder where the hell he was taking me. โWhat does that even mean?โ He asked. โYou kinda treat people with a long spoon, close enough, but not too close.โ I said. He didn't seem too eager to answer that. โAny reasons for that?โ I asked him. He threw me over his shoulder to fetch something from his pocket. I looked at what room we'd stopped at, it was Mark's. I didn't have a problem with Chas
Emma's POV โYou sound like there's a lot there.โ I said, pointing to his heart. โWanna let it out?โ I asked. โLet's see how far this booze talks.โ He replied to me. โI don't want the booze.โ I said, looking him in the eye. โI want you. I want you to talk to me, Chase.โ โHe's not who you think he is.โ Chase said. โYou're not one to tell me that.โ I replied to him. โWell, true.โ He poured another cup and continued. โHow much do you want to know?โ He asked. His pupils were already lazy, and he could barely look straight. โEverything.โI replied, walking towards him. I sat on the bar table in Mark's room, and looked straight into Chase's eye. โDo you think I'm innocent?โ He asked, with a surprisingly straight face. โNo.โ I replied, laughing, โyou most definitely are not.โ โThat's a good start.โ He said, right before pouring another cup. I snatched the bottle off the table and tucked it behind me. โThere's more.โ He said, looking at me and laughed. โI
Emmaโs POV โChase, look at me.โ He just kept on talking and talking. โChase. Chase. Chase, look at me, look at me.โ I brought his face to mine, but it didn't stop him. โEmma. No. I don't want to have to not do this. I'm tired of keeping quiet, being mature, and having my feelings under check. Emma, I have you here with me, and I still miss you. We could be so much more. Contrary to what you think there really is not much to live for. Emma, please. Give you to me, please. Falling for you, Emma, was like falling for grace.โ โI don't want to keep imagining what would be if we gave this a chance, I want to live it. Emma, take me to your heaven.โ He was out of breath, and for that, I was grateful. โSay something, please.โ He pleaded finally. My eyes were moist, and so was my face. Chase never really came out about all this to me. At that point, I knew everything could not be the same. Our lives had changed. But worse than all, I hated feeling lonely. And even in times I felt
Emma's POV I cried all the way out. I want to believe I even say pity in Patty's eyes for the first in a long time, I had never been this emotionally wrecked, not even back in Starry when the whole school got my pictures. โWhy? Why does this have to happen to me?!โ I screamed to no one exactly. It felt like my world was caving in and there was nothing I could do about it. The next day came by fast. I didn't know how I got in my bed, cause last I closed my eyes, I was still outside. I woke up around five in the morning, it was still on my mind. I knew Chase was gonna break my heart. I already knew about all that. I was still hurting inside, scared as fuck to fall in love. Worse still with someone who'd leave me shattered. In all honesty, no one I've been with or had a crush on felt like Chase, but I still had to be cautious. I knew I was not the best at choosing others. My past speaks for itself and I didn't want history to repeat itself. I continued rolling from side to s
Emma's POV โWe are both hurt. I think it's better we realize that and stop shaming the other person. Emma, you're just as damaged as I am.โ Chase said. โThat's not rocket science, Chase. Isn't this how you leave everyone you've been with?โ I asked, โBroken and damaged?โ โThat's unfair, Em. You keep skipping the fact that there are always two sides to anything.โ He replied to me. โYou think I did, Chase?โ I looked at him in his sinfully sexy blue eyes I still hadn't gotten an antidote to, not even the anger I felt, โAll I did was allow you. I made you do all you did to me. In a way, I even enabled you.โ โThat's untrue, and you know it.โ He replied to me. โI've talked about this, over and over. In my head and out of it, and it's still the same conclusion I reach.โ I responded to him. โIf โout of your headโ in any way refers to the bastard up there, I don't think I want to hear it.โ I replied to her. โYou've gotta get over yourself, Chase.โ I said. โThere's life
Chase's POV โYou're still here, Em. It means you're interested.โ I said. โI'm not comfortable here.โ She said in a low voice. โI'd be in the garage, meet me there.โ I said. โMaybe this is your time to show how low you regard me.โ I let go of her hand which I had in mine, doing it both lightly and seductively. I knew I walked with such swagger, such essence that couldn't betray how scared I felt deep inside. Maybe she'd realize that I wasn't worth shit, and just go upstairs to meet her little boyfriend. I sat in my favorite of my dad's lot, the black mustang I saved Emma's ring in. That particular car had so many memories. I wanted to be in. I checked the time on my Patek, it was a few minutes to midnight. The estate gate was gonna be locked by 00:00, and if I couldn't make it out by then, I'd be stuck with Em and that bastard. 23:53, I had begun to get antsy. It'd be really unfortunate if I left, and Em eventually came down. I kept telling myself to calm down and b
Emma's POV โCan I trust you?โ I asked Chase. I was mentally drained. Having played the good daughter throughout the anniversary, I wanted to catch my breath. Little did I know I had just been walking straight into Chaseโs arms. โYou know you can, Em.โ He said, enthusiastically. โI'd hold your secret against me, Em. I wouldn't even tell myself.โ His eyes mirrored mine, tired, hunger of the soul, and exhaustion. I couldn't believe that it was the same person who acted like I didn't exist last night. โI don't know where I stand with Kevin, really.โ I said what I'd forbidden myself to. I made a deal with my mind to never say it. Just so I didn't believe it. The more I said something, the more I was forced to believe. โStart from the point where you left me, Em. I want to know it all.โ He said, looking downI hated when Chase had that pensive look on his face. It felt like he was just a slight provocation away from murder. โAfter us,โ I started, my mind was a bit foggy
Chase's POV โWhat did you do that for?!โ Emma yelled after landing me a slap to the cheek. โI already said I wasn't gonna let you go.โ I replied stubbornly. โChase, my arm is hurting.โ She cried, referring to the arm I'd been holding. I felt like a nasty person. Maybe it was the universe providing answers to the question I'd asked so many times, โAm I not good enough for her?โ Well, I now knew I was too violent, too relentless, too impulsive, I rarely rethought my decisions, I bent everything to my will, things had to suit me, always. And those were all the things Emma stood against. โEmma, I'm a damaged guy, and I know it's really not your job to fix me. I'm a sorry project who should've belonged to my late mom and my dad who's now a happily remarried man. I get it. No one wants a project. But this is me swearing that I'd never hurt you, Em. I've learned. I do better for myself these days.โ I said, frantically. Emma was rubbing her arm where I grabbed her, a sorry rem
Chase's POV. โIt's not good that I'm too close to you, Chase.โ Emma cried. Her eyes were already tearing up, and her face wet. Her rosy cheeks were beginning to peek from beneath the light make-up. โWhy, Emma?โ I asked her, letting my mouth say all the things my heart felt. โAm I so bad?โ I asked. โI never said anything like that.โ She answered. โSo what is it?โ I asked, exhausted. โWhy do you want to be away from me so bad? Why do you treat me with such a long spoon? You can't deny missing me, Em. I see it in your eyes. What is holding you back?โ I dared reach for her trembling hands, and she didn't pull away. It was a good thing. โChase, I just still find it so hard to process. I'd rather think about things that hurt me, than process the whole thing. The past year has been the most tumultuous part of my life yet. I'm so fucking drained, I just need peace.โ She said, โAnd you think that description doesn't fit me.โI asked, against my better reasoning. I then remi
Chaseโs POVโI didn't think you'd be here.โ She said,โI could say the same.โ I replied to her Emma was the last person I thought who'd want to catch a break from the ceremony.She was at the center of it all, and really did well at her job of role playing a perfect daughter.โIt's too much.โ She replied with a low voice.โWhat is?โ I asked, clearing my throat. โThe atmosphere.โ She explained, kicking the grass in her stilettos. Her legs looked like they must've been hurting. โHere.โI gave way for her to sit on her favorite swing. I could never take that away from her. โThank you.โ Emma was being her generic self, the side that she showed everyone else. Shy and contained. But I didn't like that. I liked that Emma I fell for, headlong. โIt's nothing to Chaseโs POV โI didn't think you'd be here.โ She said, โI could say the same.โ I replied to her Emma was the last person I thought who'd want to catch a break from the ceremony. She was at the center of it all, and really
Chase's POV I wished I could remain busy throughout the day. A time to rest meant a time to think. I was under the same roof as Emma, like I'd been wanting, but we were yet so far apart. The flowers were an ill thought decision, but I had to do something. Being in the same house with Emma for over three days was beginning to mess with my mental health. โYou shouldn't have done that.โ I said to myself. If only Emma had kept it a family thing and didn't have that one over, things would have been a lot easier. I intentionally left a note out of the flower delivery, but I knew she recognised the sender, irregardless. Before I knew it,my 5:30 alarm went off, and I had to throw on my tux as fast as I could. It'd be great if my dad and Linda got down to a full audience waiting for them. It was a really big deal for my dad, so big he had made arrangements for his helicopter to pick them both at ten o'clock. Linda was wearing a slick floor length satin dress in emerald green, paired
Emma's POVI decided to see my mom before the dinner. I didn't care if it was right or wrong, but I'd barely seen her all through the day and I was dying to know how she was holding up. Maybe an escape for myself was the other motive, but primarily, I wanted to know how she was doing. โHey mom.โ I said, pushing her door open. It almost felt like it was her wedding all over again. Mark was going all out. And I didn't know why it had to be that big for a guest list of just sixteen people. โThis is a lot.โ I smiled. โIt is.โ I saw the woman beneath all the makeup, hair glam, and accessories. She was still just my mom. โCan I have a moment with my daughter please?โ She referred to everyone else in the room who wasn't me, and they, by my rough headcount, were about eight. โWe can spare only about half an hour.โ A kind lady who looked like she was in her thirties said, She had an outrageous makeup done. While it looked good, edgy, classy on her, I hope that wasn't gonna be my
Emma's POV. โYou were gonna go in.โ He said, looking away. โI was.โ I replied, unshifting. He no longer had the courage to stare me down, and I no longer had the will to leave, โMIT looks good on you.โ He said. โThank you.โ I smiled, โI could say the same for you.โ โI see you've made new friends, well old ones,but you knowโฆโ He said. I chuckled within myself. Who'd have known that I could make the bad boy Chase unsure about me? โYeah, I had no choice.โ I murmured. โUhm, how are you?โ I asked, just out of courtesy, I told myself. I thought being brave and bold was gonna make me indestructible by him, but I was beginning to come off as antagonistic, and I didn't like it. Deep down, in the corners of my heart I hoped Kevin would never see, Chase occupied it. I wanted for him to close the distance between us like he'd once done. To treat me like his own. I was getting a little teary, so I dug my freshly manicured nail into my palm, I wasn't gonna cry, I could not.