From Bully To Beloved

“They’re not excuses!”Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“Of course they are.”

He doesn’t get it. He’s not listening. Why did I ever think something could happen between us? There’s a reason Coltonand I have always butted heads. He just doesn’t get it, and he’s not even trying to.

“I’m done here,” I say, making a move toward the hallway. I need to get out of this room before I do or say something I regret. “I’m not having this argument with you. I don’t have to answer to you or explain myself. God, I can’t wait for this month to be over!”

“You don’t mean that.”

It’s the tone of his voice that makes me stop and turn back around.

Cal’s expression is no longer angry. His features have softened, and his eyes are so goddamn piercing that I can’t look away.

“Tell me you don’t mean that,” he demands.

His words do little to sway my anger. Stepping up to him, I poke him in the chest with my finger. “Stop trying to tell me what I do and don’t mean or want,” I say. “This is my life, Cal. My decision. If you care for me at all, then you’ll respect that.”

He reaches out and closes his hand around mine. “It’s because I care for you that I’m telling you to change your mind,” he says. “Sera, don’t think about what others want or expect from you. What doesyourheartdesire most?”

I stare at him, my body charged for an entirely different reason now that his hand is touching mine. “A lot of things.”

“No.” Coltonshakes his head. “Sorry, baby girl, not good enough. Why don’t you think about it some more?”

With that, he leaves the room.

SERA

ONE WEEK LEFT

How did everything become so messy? Before this whole inheritance thing, I knew what each day held.

I had consistency and some level of security.

Now, everything has changed.

Cal’s made me question my life, my desires, and it’s turned me upside down.

What does your heart desire most?

I never gave him an answer, and he didn’t push.

Huh. It’s funny that I didn’t have that answer until he asked the question. I want to throw my arms around his neck.

But I can’t.

I know I shouldn’t.

Wanting to kiss Coltonso badly scares me more than anything.

In just under three weeks, he-the man I’ve hated almost all my life-has become the linchpin of my world. Everything stands and falls with him. With his smile. His touch. Being close to him like this is unlike anything I have ever experienced.

I don’t want to think about what happens next. Believing in a happy ending would be madness. It would be so dumb.

How can I really trust his heart? How will I know that he won’t dash mine into a million little pieces once I open it up to him? We can’t even have civilized discussions instead of shouting (guilty), bickering (guilty), and death stares (guilty).

What does my heart desire most?