Between him and I.

AIDEN’S POV.

I felt something soften inside me the moment Peter said that. I could proudly use the phrase “butterflies exploded in my belly”

Those might sound so little to others, but to me? It felt like the whole. 

“Come in,” I said quietly, stepping aside. “It’s fine.”

He walked in slowly, like he was scared I might change my mind. I closed the door behind him and turned to face him.

“I'm sorry for disturbing whatever it was…”

I cut him off. “It's fine. We were not doing anything important.”

“You should have at least knocked,” Ryder frowned, folding his hands on his chest like a worked up cock. 

I slowly turned to him with a glare. “What does that mean?”

“It means he should have knocked before coming in,” Ryder repeated, locking eyes with me. 

I wanted to give him a befitting response, but Peter stopped me. “You're right,” he nodded in agreement. “It's just old habits, I guess.”

Ryder forced a quick smile and then looked away. 

My fists clenched so tightly. I wanted to walk over to him, and punch him straight in the face. 

I guess I could leave that till after I settle Peter, then I can beat the crap out of Ryder — with words, and far away from where he can punch me. 

“Sit,” I said, pointing to the couch.

He did, then looked up at me, uneasy. “I’m sorry for just showing up like this.”

“You don’t have to apologize,” I said. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

He gave a small smile. “I just… you were the only one I could think of.”

That made my chest feel warm in a way I didn’t like. Or maybe in a way I liked too much. 

I hid it the best I could and just nodded.

I sat down beside him, leaving a little space between us. “Tell me what happened.”

He took a deep breath. “Yesterday, after the party… I met Daniel’s study buddy. The guy he always talks about.”

I frowned. “The one he cancels plans for?”

“Yeah. That one.” Peter looked down at his hands. “We talked for a bit. He didn’t know who I was at first. Then he did, and things got awkward.”

“What did he say?” I asked.

“He said Daniel canceled on him last minute. Said he wanted to meet up with a friend.” Peter let out a weak laugh. “I thought it was me. But I wondered why Daniel would use a friend when I am his boyfriend.”

Uhmm, probably because he is screwing with another guy. 

“I didn't think much of it, so I waited for Daniel to get home, but he just sent a text message that he was staying over at this guy's place. 

“I knew something was up, but I didn't expect it to be this serious,” he added with a sigh. 

My jaw tightened. If Daniel was here, I wouldn't hesitate to pull out a gun and shoot him in the head. 

Peter continued, his voice low. “So, this morning, I was on my way to class when I realized I forgot my assignment. I went back home to get it.”

I already knew where this was going, and I hated that I couldn’t stop it.

“I opened the door,” he said, swallowing, “and they were there. On the couch. Kissing like nothing else mattered.”

I clenched my teeth. “So what happened after that?”

“I left. He kept talking. I couldn't just do it, so I left.”

I sighed. “I'm really sorry.”

He leaned back, eyes shiny. “I really loved him.”

I stayed quiet for a moment, then said, “Daniel was never good for you.”

He looked at me, surprised.

“He didn’t respect you,” I went on. “He took you for granted. You deserved better than someone who keeps choosing everyone else over you.”

Peter smiled sadly. “You really think so?”

“I know so,” I said. “Anyone with eyes can see it.”

A scoff came from behind us.

Ryder.

I almost forgot he was in the room. 

He dropped onto the chair across from us, arms crossed. “And what do you know about liking a boy?”

I frowned. “Ryder, excuse us. We’re in the middle of a conversation.”

He ignored me and looked at Peter. “Instead of sitting here feeling bad, you should come with me to a club tonight. You can meet new guys who will respect you. I know some friends.”

I shook my head. “Not everything is about wasting yourself.”

Peter nodded. “Yeah. I just want to rest.”

Ryder leaned back, studying him. Then he sighed. “I’m sorry. I’ve never been cheated on before, so I don’t know how that feels.” He shrugged. “But honestly? It’ll be Daniel’s loss if you walk away.”

Peter blinked. “Thank you.”

I wanted to rip Ryder’s throat open for acting like a decent person all of a sudden. But I stayed quiet.

Ryder stood. “I’ll give you space.” Then he walked out.

The room felt calmer after that.

Evening came slowly. Peter was still there, curled up on the couch, watching cartoons on my laptop. 

I tried to read, but my mind wouldn’t stop. All I could think about was Daniel. About tearing his heart out and wearing it like a crown.

Peter closed the laptop gently. “I think I should go. I'm kinda tired.”

“You can stay,” I said quickly. “You don’t have to go.”

He hesitated. “Where would I sleep?”

“My bed,” I said without thinking.

He scoffed. “Your bed is too tiny to contain us.”

“I’ll take Ryder’s bed,” I added fast. “I just don’t want you alone tonight.”

He looked at me for a long time. “I should take Ryder's bed instead.”

Hell no, there is no way I was going to let him sleep on Ryder's bed. 

“No. You can take my bed. Ryder won't be home tonight. He's always out.”

Peter nodded. “He’s a party guy. What do you expect?

Some decency and seriousness. 

After a moment, he agreed and we both went inside. 

Morning came too fast. I woke up confused, half-asleep, and rolled to the side. My head landed on something warm and soft.

Then someone kissed my forehead. My eyes flew open.

Immediately I flew out of the bed, clutching the blanket to my chest. 

“Hi babe,” Ryder smiled. “How was your night?”

Ryder? What the hell was he doing in here?