Promise Me Not (Boys of Avix #2)

by Meagan Brandy

It’s almost like … like he cares. Likes he’s worried and he wants me to know everything I’m feeling is okay. That it will all be okay and my life isn’t over.

“Just a little water,” he whispers, erasing the stupid tear that slipped without permission.

I’m talking that gravity-defying, soul-defining, epic love story shit. She has that. I want that. Fuck.

A frustrated groan leaves me, and I glance toward Noah, but he isn’t looking at me anymore. A slow smile is spreading across his face, a faraway look taking over, and I don’t have to turn to know who stepped out onto the deck. “Sister,” I call out to test my theory. “Brother.”

“Don’t tell anyone, but I’m scared, little man,” he whispers. “Your mama’s avoiding me, and I have no idea what to do about it.”

He’s right. I am avoiding him, and he did come here three times this summer. According to the messages I left on read, the only reason he came … was for me. My eyes fall to Deaton, who plays happily in the warm water, and I know that’s not right. Mason didn’t come home for me. He came for us.

“Just so you know,” he begins. “It’s okay not to be okay … even if it’s not for the reason everyone thinks.”

She’s letting me go, I know it. I fucking feel it, and it … hurts.

I don’t want to do this. I can’t fucking do this.

“I’ve got you, Pretty Little. I’m here,” he whispers. “I’ve been here.”

He remembered what today was. He knew how hard it would be for me. He remembered for me.

This man, he’s been my rock. My friend. My savior. My new favorite person. He’s not just Mason. He’s my Mason.

And then I spin, leaving my son in safe hands.

I leave him with his … daddy.

“I’m dead serious. I can’t compete with a ghost, so I won’t,” I promise. “He can keep your heart for all eternity. Just let me hold you for all of mine.”

“There is no competition, Mason. There’s no competition, and that is the problem.”