Don't Let Me Go (Don't Let Me Go #2)

by Kelsie Rae

“Purple.” With a laugh, I repeat, “Purple?” “Yeah. It’s a recent realization.

“I think you want a guy who pushes you. A guy who eggs you on. A guy who doesn't let you barrel over him. Someone who looks at you like an equal.

Someone who challenges you.”

“You want a guy who can break you, Blake,” he rasps, his voice low and gritty and shooting straight to my core. “One who grabs you by the throat and squeezes as he enters you. One who treats you like you aren’t made of glass. You’re different than other girls.”

“Now, are you gonna fuck me or not? Because I won’t ask you again.”

Theo. I’m not blind. I’ve known

you’ve had a thing for her since we were kids. Why won’t you own up to it and date her for real?”

“What do you have to be scared of? I’ve always been here. Rooting for you. Watching you. Loving you.”

“It always belonged to you. I always belonged to you.”

You’ve always been my girl. Sorry it took me so long to see it.

She’s one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met.”

“Yeah. And that’s the shittiest part about all of this. Because I care about you too.” I suck in a shallow breath. “I’ve always cared about you. For so long, Theo. For so long, I’ve cared about you.”

I care about you. I could fucking love you, Blake.

“You know, for a girl who’s convinced I’m gonna leave, you’re doing a hell of a lot of running from me.”

I’m here. And I’m not done fighting for this. Fighting for us. Give me a chance to do it differently. Please.”

“I always said you needed someone who could push you,” I remind her. She gives me the side-eye and mutters, “Didn’t think you’d take the responsibility on yourself.” “I’ve always taken that responsibility on.”

We’re gonna get through this. You and me, Baby Thorne. It’s always been you and me.

“Hence the grand gesture. It’s also why I should’ve told you how beautiful you looked in a dress the first time you wore one. And every time after that,” he clarifies with a smile. “It’s why I should’ve taken you to prom. Why I should’ve told you how I felt after we kissed for the first time. It’s also why I should’ve told you about the contracts. I’ve messed up so many times with you, Blake. I froze instead of acting. But it wasn’t because I wasn’t willing to compromise. I froze because I was scared. Scared to be vulnerable. Scared to let you in, when you’d already wiggled your way under my skin. I froze because I was terrified I’d lose you. I’m still terrified I’ll lose you.”

“But you were right. You are right. We’re in this together. And I’m done fighting it or running from it, just because I’m afraid I’ll mess it up again. I’m going to put us first.