Page 87 of Let's Be Forever

“I know you slept in his room,” she answers knowingly.

I stop pacing. “What?”

“You slept in Sylas’s room last night. I know because I saw your stuff on the island and you weren’t in your room. I also heard you guys.” She lets out a disgruntled groan. “Dios mio, Anna. I don’t know what’s more traumatizing. Hearing our neighbor or my little sister.”

“Oh.” My face burns. I bite the inside of my cheek, contemplating what to say. “I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you up…”

“You definitely weren’t sorry last night.” I hear the smirk in her voice. “You didn’t wake me. I was already up, but don’t worry, I put my headphones on. Otherwise, I would have lost my shit.”

Sylas enters the living room, wearing the brightest smile on his face.

I turn, not able to meet his stare. “Where are you? It’s Sunday, remember? You don’t take care of Rosie.”

“We’re going to grab breakfast with Clementine and then head to the?—”

“Maya, it’s okay. You don’t?—”

“—park, and we’ll be out for as long as we need to be.” Her voice is full of understanding. “Take your time. Whatever you decide to do, I support it. If you’re happy, I’m happy.”

I’m a grown adult. I know I can do whatever I want, but…I didn’t know how badly I needed to hear my big sister utter those words. I always craved this—having a relationship with her. I don’t expect us to always agree and to never fight, but I need her in my life. I want her in my life.

I clear my throat, scrunching my nose as it stings, but it doesn’t help when Sylas stands in front of me. “You sure?”

“Take your time and don’t worry about Rosie. We’ve got her.”

“Thanks, Maya.” Sylas’s gaze collides with mine. My stomach tumbles, and my heart clamors. When I hang up, he stands on alert.

“What’s wrong?”

“I think it’s time we talked.” I flash him a reassuring smile.

“Bagels and coffee on the terrace?” he asks, evoking memories of our early morning routine. Just like old times.

“Yeah, do you have?—”

“Guava and fig jam? Yeah, I bought them just in case.”

I was adamant I was done with Sylas. I kept telling myself I was better without him. In spite of how many times I’d repeat that in my head, my heart was screaming otherwise.

After I left him at Neptune, every part of me was begging to be next to him. But I fought it. I didn’t search for him in the crowd. I told myself I needed time, that it was normal I was struggling to move on because I hadn’t been with anyone since Sylas.

I was stupid to believe I needed to be with other men. Really idiotic of me to think that’s how I’d move on because even with how charming and fun Jackson had been, every neuron in my body was on fire for Sylas.

We sit side by side on the sofa, eating our bagels and drinking our coffees. The mornings have become cooler, but the sun is out on the terrace, making up for the chill.

“I’m scared,” I admit, brushing my bangs away. I fiddle with the hem of my shirt. The lump in my throat is too big, making it hard to get the words out.

He takes my hand in his, easing my discomfort and the need to hide my insecurities. I don’t like being vulnerable, crying, or having to open up. The last time I did that he left.

“Please don’t be.” Remorse veils his face as he runs the pad of his thumb along my knuckles.

“I don’t want to be but…” I swallow past the knot. “And I hate to sound like a broken record, but I can’t stop thinking of you leaving.” I trap my lip between my lips. “I can’t do that again. I can’t watch you walk away. I’m scared to lose you.”

Fear rushes through my veins, sending a chill down my spine.

His hold on my hand tightens, and a confident gleam shines in his eyes. “That’s not going to happen. I promise. I’m not going anywhere because where you and Rosie are, that’s where I’ll be, Anna.”

I know he means it, but there’s this voice in my head that whispers to tread carefully. “I want to make this work. Asobnoxious as you are, there’s no one else I want to be with. So, please don’t make me regret this.”