Page 92 of His Son's Brid
I think about it. About going back to just stolen glances and accidental touches. About pretending this pull between us doesn't exist.
"No," I admit. "I couldn't."
"Then we're both screwed."
"Probably."
He kisses my forehead. "Go. Before I take you on this desk again."
I slip out of the office, my body still humming, my mind spinning.
Because he's right. We're addicted now. To each other, to this, to these stolen moments that could destroy everything.
And neither of us is strong enough to stop.
17
AXEL
I can't do this anymore.
The thought loops in my head all morning while I wait for Luca to return from Chicago. I've been pacing my room since dawn, rehearsing different versions of this conversation, and they all end badly.
But I'm done lying. Done hiding. Done pretending that I can keep this secret forever while it eats me alive from the inside.
Aurora deserves better than being trapped between Leo and me. Deserves to know where she stands instead of living in this nightmare limbo.
And Luca deserves the truth, even if it destroys our friendship.
Viktor finds me in the library at noon, staring at whiskey I poured but haven't touched.
"Boss, you look like death. What's going on?"
"Is Luca back yet?"
"Just pulled up. Marco's helping him with his bags." Viktor studies me carefully. "Why? What are you planning?"
"Something that's going to blow up in my face."
"That's specific and not at all concerning." He sits across from me. "Want to elaborate?"
"I'm telling him. About Aurora. About everything."
Viktor goes very still. "Axel. Think about what you're doing."
"I have been thinking. For three weeks, I've been thinking, and I can't keep doing this. Can't keep lying to my best friend while I'm sleeping with his daughter."
"So you're going to confess and hope he doesn't kill you?"
"Something like that."
"That's a terrible plan."
"You have a better one?"
He doesn't. We both know there's no good way out of this. No scenario where everyone walks away happy.
"At least let me stay close," Viktor says finally. "In case things go sideways."
