Up in Flames

by Eden Finley

My energy is waning, and when we do argue, it can last all day, but then it leads to makeup fucking, and by the next day, he’s my sweet fiancé again.

This is the ePitome of a toxic relationship dude

Is that why he’s been so clingy? So next-level? Am I the reason for all the changes I’ve been noticing?

Oh no oh no oh no we’re not doing this, we’re not shouldering the faults of a narcissistic prick

If I’d known … Fuck, if I knew Eman was going to do this to him, I would’ve told Remy a year ago that I’m hopelessly, stupidly in love with him and he should leave the guy who never grew up.

“You’re imagining what Eman’s reaction would be if he found out that instead of breaking down after he left, you partied, aren’t you?” “Is that petty? It’s petty, isn’t it?”

“Why couldn’t I have fallen for you instead?”

I was thinking of when I started at Station 21 and our firehouses crossed paths a lot. I … I might have had a crush on you.

Noooooo how much heartbreak could have been spared

“You have a king. This is plenty big enough for us both.”

THERE WAS ONLY ONE BED

“I wish you could see you the way I do.” He lifts his gaze, his big hazel eyes shining up at me. “How’s that?” “Precious. Rare.

I know how to save a life, so I know how easy it is to reverse-alive someone.

“Good. He tried to get out of training camp by telling his coach I had an emergency at work. The unlucky thing about dating a fireman is that emergencies at work are kinda in our job description. Coach said he gets a maximum of three emergencies a year, otherwise he’d never be there.”

I can do this. * * * I can’t do this.

I still don’t think he’s grown up, but I couldn’t go after his man, no matter how much I wanted to. I couldn’t do that to him.” Remy runs a finger up my arm, sending shivers down my spine. When he gets to my shoulder, he pauses. “But you could now?” “I kinda already did back in Hawaii. And even though you’re not ready for anything more than a rebound, I can’t resist you.” “Then don’t.”

If his life is Eman, I’m going to have to deal with that. Or make Eman have an accident. Off a cliff. Remy did say he wanted action.

“My college boyfriend. I was in love, even though we were only together six months. Then one night, at a party, I found him and Sanden in a room together.”

Why do I 100% it’s the other way around?

I’m beginning to think Eman’s not just an asshole. He’s controlling and abusive. And he’s doing it on purpose.

Yes he is

“Not as much as I like naked Remy, and funny Remy, and showing off Remy, but verbally abusive hockey fan Remy was an experience.”

“You’re not stupid. You’re an amazing EMT. You save lives. You have a big heart. You’ve been through some things, sure, but it’s not going to beat you because you’re incredible, Remy. You’re so many things, but stupid isn’t one of them, sweetheart.”

as it turns out, Eman thinks the sun shines out his ass.

And I want to. Date you.”

Remy Porter

“I’m actually beginning to think that’s the truest statement to ever statement,” my heart damn near explodes. “I really am in trouble with you.”

I think … for me, it’s all about time. Having it and giving it. It’s finite, you know? You can’t buy more. If someone gives you theirs, that’s important.”

When the rain comes out, so does the incompetence.

Truest statement ever

“Oh, I’m not going to compliment your bedroom skills. I’m just planning on throwing in random niceties here and there.” “This is the kink you needed a safe word for, isn’t it?” “No, and if you keep talking, I’m going to gag you.” “Okay, that’s the kink you—”

Physically, emotionally, he has it. Every part of me.

Sanden fucking Masters

“Sometimes I look at you, overwhelmed by how good you are. By how I could ever believe the lies about you because deep down, you just … you make me happy. Your energy, being around you, I crave it. More than I’ve ever craved anyone. I want to be near you, Sanden. Always near you. Close. And not even sexually, which, hey, I want that too. But I’m not used to that being the second thing I think about when it comes to a man I like.”

With Eman, I had no power. With Sanden, even with him in control, if I needed him to stop, I don’t doubt for a second that he would.

From now on, you’re invisible to me. You mean nothing. You want to stay here? Fine. I wish nothing but goddamn misery on you for every second you’re under this roof.”

“My feelings toward you haven’t changed. You still make me feel safe.”

Really, the whole thing would be so much easier if people didn’t have opinions about things that weren’t their business.

“I know you’re right, but I think I’m in love with you. How do I make the right call here?”

“I’ve waited over three years, and I’ll wait ten more if I have to. You’re worth it, and you need this. And I will always give you what you need.”

Because you don’t make me a person.” I nuzzle his jaw. “You just make me a better one.”

“You make me so happy,” I whisper. “That’s literally all I’ve ever wanted for you. And now I get to make you happy for the rest of our lives.”