Page 99 of Graves

How is Aran able to write lyrics like this?

Did he go through something similar with Ben?

The press always described his relationship with Ben as a passionate rollercoaster. There were scandals, but the two of them looked so perfect together on the outside that everyone overlooked the fights.

I know better than anyone that what the world sees is rarely the truth. I spent years pretending too—mostly to myself.

But there’s no way Aran could write these kinds of lyrics without having lived through toxic shit himself. The voice in my ear knows exactly what it’s singing about.

Was Ben maybe not as innocent as the media made him out to be?

Was Aran turned into the scapegoat?

Why were these lyrics never discussed?

He’s clearly processing trauma here. Or am I reading too much into it?

Maybe I’m only hearing what I want to hear. I did everything I could to keep my relationship with Luke alive. Being held up to a mirror through Aran’s songs hits me like a hammer blow, overwhelming that I have to strip off my headphones.

It’s almost eleven when I sit up and rub my weary face.

Even without the music, Aran’s voice still echoes in my head. I feel dazed by all the memories his songs triggered, yet somehow clearer than I’ve felt in ages. Like the lyrics were some kind of therapy. For the first time in a long while, I don’t feel alone.

Oh God. I feel understood by Aran Graves.

My mind drifts back to the conversation with my siblings. I didn’t even say anything, but Levi already knew I’d slept with Aran. Olena thought he was my boyfriend, and I realize I never corrected her.

Aran’s appearance in that interview had shocked me too much.

Was he really on drugs?

He definitely didn’t look well.

And yet, on Wednesday, we’d been so close. He showed me a side of himself I never expected. He also awakened something in me I didn’t even know was there.

With him, I feel safe and wanted—two things I never got from Luke.

Maybe I really have fallen for Aran a little. Especially now, after hearing his songs and understanding what he’s singing about, I feel even more drawn to him than before.

I pause for a moment. Just thinking about him makes my dick twitch.

Shit… have I fallen for him without even realizing it?

No. That can’t be.

Impossible!

It was probably just because he held me that night.

God, he was so sweet.

Was he even aware of it?

No! Stop it!

I shoot up from the couch and try to shake the thoughts away.

This can’t be good.