His gaze goes to the ground. “Willow. Remember her?”
Willow was a mutual friend of ours. She and I agreed to a friends-with-benefits situation. It lasted for a few months. Hell, that was ten years ago.
“Of course I do.”
“You broke her heart. It was me she came crying to.”
“We had an arrangement, and she knew that. She’s the one who ended things.”
“Yeah, because you made it clear you wouldn’t give her anything more!”
I never told her I would. This isn’t making sense. Unless. “Durango, did you have feelings for her?”
He doesn’t respond.
“Why didn’t you tell me? I never would have done anything with her if I’d known.”
He shakes his head. “Everyone knew. Except apparently you, or you just let your dick lead you around.”
“What are you talking about? I had no idea.”
He stares hard at me. “Did something happen between you and Piper while I was gone?”
Well, that’s a quick change of subject. There’s no way I’m going to tell him we watched each other masturbate. “No.”
But dammit, he’s one of my best friends, and he knows when I’m lying.
“You motherfucker!”
Before I can jump back, he reaches back and hits me hard. I wasn’t expecting it, so I go down.
Damn, he didn’t hold back at all. I rub my cheek.
“Take a walk! Now!” Lightning yells at Durango.
I look up, and the man is glaring at me. “I’ll never be okay with you and Piper. Never. And if you put one hand on her, you’re dead to me.” He walks away.
I don’t even try to get up. My best friend gave me an ultimatum. One I can’t live with. I can’t lose him but staying away from Piper has made me miserable.
“Hey.” Lightning offers his hand, and I take it.
He pulls me up, and that’s when I lock eyes with Piper. Hers are welled with tears.
“So that’s it? He will never approve, so we can’t be together?” she asks me.
I don’t know what to say. This can’t be it.
“Thunder and I can talk to him,” Lightning offers.
“It won’t make a difference.” And it won’t. Nothing will. “I need to be alone,” I say as I pull my keys from my pocket.
“You sure that’s a good idea?” Lightning asks.
I nod as I walk to my car. I hate leaving Piper there, upset. But I’m too angry to be much comfort to her right now.
My mind goes in circles as I drive north. I can’t lose Durango. He’s like my brother. After my parents wrote me off, I enlisted and met him. We’ve been close ever since. To lose him would be like losing a limb. But I can’t stop thinking of Piper.
I grip the steering wheel as a Welcome to Connecticut sign comes into view. I exit the highway and find a waterfront park. Pulling in, I find a spot to park and stare out at the water. Two birds squawk as they fight over something left on the beach.
