A Brand New Ending

Chapter 52

Braeden



I wake up in my bed feeling the cold sheets beside me. Sitting up slowly, my head is cloudy, the four drinks I downed last night certainly weren't helping. Once I saw Lillian coming behind Donovan, I had never felt so enraged in my life. All of the visions and feelings from our last encounter came flooding back into my mind. I almost lost Phoenix because of a careless f*ck and I wouldn't let that happen again. I refused. I didn't know who to be madder at, myself or Donovan. He knew what bringing her would do and in that moment I hated him. I wanted to wrap my fingers around his massive throat and watch him gasp for air. But I couldn't peel my eyes away from Phoenix's, waiting for her to walk out that door and never come back.

But when she pressed her body against mine, her mouth claiming mine I could feel her insecurities, but she was fighting against them instead of letting them rule her like they always have in the past. When she returned from the bathroom, something had changed, something shifted. I wanted to ask her about it, but pressing the issue was not something I felt like doing.

Pushing the rest of the comforter off me I let out a huge sigh, feeling as though I had not gotten one minute of sleep. Standing up I stretch out, my head slightly pounding.

Perhaps drinking wasn't such a good idea. I look at myself in the mirror, realizing I am still in my dress shirt and slacks; both of them slung open, exposing all of my chest and torso. I slide off my shirt and then my pants, coming to the conclusion I needed a shower badly. I grab my towel and make my way to the bathroom, hoping a shower will somewhat waken me. Stepping under the warm spray, my mind travels back to the night and the look on Phoenix's face. A look of hesitation.

That was the first time I felt like Phoenix was hiding something from me. I finally decide to pull myself out of the shower and get dressed quickly, realizing how late in the day it is. When I make it out to the living room I grumble at what I see.

"I should kick your f*cking ass out of here," I spit, grabbing an apple from the basket.

"Dude, I forgot…" Donovan snaps back. "But don't put the blame on me. You’re the one who slept with her."

My stomach churns just thinking about it. I lean my body against the countertop, putting the apple to my lips and bite down.

"But why the f*ck did you bring her?" I ask. "To a medical fundraiser full of civilized people?"

I see his hands turn into fists, his knuckles turning white.

"I like her," he announces.

I look at him confused. "You like her?" I ask. "Every time you two are around it's like cats and dogs."

"Dude, did you never go to f*cking high school?"

I roll my eyes, never understanding the ridiculous games some people play.

"So, are you two dating?" I say with a pause, never thinking I would say dating and Donovan in the same sentence.

He shrugs. "We're spending time together," he explains.

"Do you want to sleep with other women when you are with her?" I ask aggravated.

He shakes his head. "That's the definition of dating," I say shaking my head.

We both fall silent for a moment, both collecting our thoughts.

"How's Phoenix?" he asks.

I shrug. "Something's off," I admit. "But I don't think it was because of your plus one."

He stands up and walks over in my direction.

"You still want to go through with today?" he asks.

I finally smile for the first time today.

"Absolutely."