His to Love (His #3)

Chapter 41

It's Rory's birthday on Saturday and I call her to wish her a happy one. I think she has no idea that my brother is planning a party for her. 

I'm kind of scared to go to the party tonight. Aaron is still invited and he didn't say anything about not coming. I haven't heard from him since Thursday night. I haven't heard from Damien, either, but that's not a surprise. He still hasn't changed, I see. 

Ever since he came to my flat, he wrecked me completely. He shook my world again. My girls came by after the two men left and I told them everything that happened. They were surprised and shocked and all kinds of pissed off at the both men. 

Aaron, that bastard, was actually cheating on me. Even though he assured me he isn't, I should've trusted all the signs he showed. 

And Damien ... I don't even want to think about him, although there's not much else I've been thinking about. I've been thinking about his words, his story ... His touches, his looks ... 

I've been dreading to see him again. I remember he used to love running in the morning so I made extra sure I didn't run into him on my way to work. 

Thank God today is Saturday and I can stay at home. I'll just have to buy Rory a present, but I'm going to do that later when I'll be completely sure I won't run into anyone I don't want to see. 

I've been moping around since Thursday, cursing the fate for hating me this much. But it's also my own fault for loving the wrong man. Damien Knox doesn't deserve anything from me, yet my heart wants to leap out of my chest right into his arms everytime I see him, screaming I'm yours, take me! 

But tonight's Rory's birthday and I'll be damned if anything destroys it. I know my brother will make sure everything goes perfect and smooth. 

We're all instructed to come to the restaurant a little earlier, so the surprise will be real. The room is beautifully decorated, really colourful with a big table in the middle and happy birthday Rory hanging on the wall in the back with balloons around us. It's nice, it's really warm and simple and I know Rory will prefer this much more than anything luxurious. 

I greet Rory's parents, Lily and her boyfriend Jared when I arrive. Aaron is not here yet, but he comes on time, coming right to my side. 

He pretends to lovingly kiss my cheek, but he whispers, "Where's your boyfriend tonight?"

I give him a look. "I don't have one," I shoot back, bitterly. I still can't believe Aaron is such a backstabbing bitch. 

Aaron's mouth quirks up at one side and he turns his head to greet everyone. I terribly need a glass of something alcoholic. This night is going to be disastrous otherwise. 

When the doors to the room open and Rory comes in, we all yell, "Surprise!" in unison, big smiles on our faces as we watch the birthday girl's surprise and happiness. She wasn't expecting this. 

"Oh my God!" she shrieks and runs to greet us all, smiling from ear to ear.

Rory is radiating happiness the whole evening. Braden and she are acting like lovesick puppies, always touching or kissing. It's really lovely to see, but it's hard to watch for me at the moment. I'm in some shitty situation with a man, or rather men. 

Aaron and I don't talk much the whole evening. He's sitting there by my side, but that's all. He doesn't touch me - I don't even want him to.

"Lily!" Rory squeals at some point, making everyone shut up and turn our heads. "What is that?"

Lily's cheeks redden as she looks down at her lap. Jared, her boyfriend, drops his arm around her shoulders with a smug smile on his face. "We're sorta ... kinda ... engaged," Lily says.