Rhythm of Heartbreak (COMPLETED)

Chapter 38

He momentarily paused and thought. "It crossed my mind..." he honestly confirmed. "But objectivity made me question those rumors. The way you acted with me at the beginning was not someone who wanted to harm me. Besides, it was me who pushed you to tag along in making Shaun jealous. Unless of course, you are the greatest actress of all time pretending to be innocent with your raw blushes and transparent eyes. Or a maniacally clever one who carefully plans the plot and twists me in your little web." He started a grin escaped his lips.

Jess didn't buy his humor.

"I didn't leak any information about you Rick, not to anyone. I wouldn't do that to you." She clarified once again.

He turned his face again and stared at Jess. "I know Jess... I'm sorry for doubting you." He apologized.

"Do you know anyone who leaked the details perhaps?" she curiously asked.

He kissed her neck which made Jess jolt. "It doesn't matter anymore. We must move forward from it. As long as we know the more important truth."

She smiled and nodded, agreeing to his recommendation.

"Jess..." he whispered to her. He moved his body, so they were now facing each other, his eyes were on her seeking a deeper connection, wanting to link their souls.

"Hmmmmmm?" She responded.

"Will you ever be able to forgive my mother for what she did to Adam?" He asked out of nowhere. His hands went to her holding her tightly. "And me?"

"Why do you want to know?" She asked in return.

His eyes glaze, his emotions heightened. "Because I want us to fully accept ourselves, whatever twisted past that surrounds us both. I want us to be able to push forward to a future I sincerely dream of building with you, You and I Jess. Forgive me for my shortcomings; I want to be worth it for you. Be better for you." he stated.

Jess felt the truthfulness in his voice. She too wanted to build a future with Rick, be with him like this for the rest of their lives. Feel his warmth and see his smiles and one day perhaps see a little version of those hazel depth eyes.

Her heart aches.

"Rick, I love you, that feeling didn't change regardless of what happened... if we can start healing from the past that we have no control over then I very much like that to happen for us." She paused. "Will you ever be able to forgive Adam and Kris for betraying your mother too?" she honestly asked in return.

"I can. I want to and I think I'm slowly learning to..." he answered.

Jess nodded, there's the first step and she knows someday he can find peace in his heart from all the nightmares that haunted Rick all those years.

She kissed him. He kissed her back.

"What about Shaun? Are you fully over him now? I'm pretty much a jealous man Jess, that I come to realize, so let me know if I have to barricade him away from you." He stated.

Jess laughed at his ridiculous notion.

"Before you, I've only ever loved Shaun, or it's an idea of love that I didn't know, it was blind devotion, playful and trusting. I guess I should be ashamed of it somehow. I've known heartbreak enough to shatter my mind, to leave my soul feeling like dust in the wind and my body unwilling to live but it was more painful with you. You touched my fragile heart and it's yours to keep. You are worth my life and all that I have left is yours." She confessed.

"Thank you, Jess. I love you so much." Rick smiled warmly.

Rick trailed his mind on the memories of Jess.