Page 109 of Tormented Kings

“Honey, I knew you didn’t stand a chance with Collin and his obsession.” Mom laughs. “From a young age, this boy was over the top.”

“I only wanted what was best for her, sue me,” Collin sighs, crossing his arms.

“Why do you think we sent him away?” Carol smiles. “We didn’t need him scaring you away.”

“Aren't you like five years older than Sadie?” Declan asks. “Isn’t that weird to be a teenager and obsessed with a kid?”

“Listen here, you little shit.” Collin gets in Declan’s face. “I didn’t have those kinds of feelings for her until this year. I saw her, and my whole life fucking shifted.”

“Really?” I ask, blinking at him in surprise. “You never told me that.”

“He left the same day after coming to tell us he was going to marry you.” Carol grins.

“You really are a crazy fucker, aren't you?” I ask Collin, still in a little bit of shock.

“And you fucking love it,” Collin growls.

I bite my lip because I do. I love his brand of crazy.

“Wait.” I spin to face my mom. “You know I’m seeing Collin?”

“I assumed as much since Collin was back. I didn’t think he would hold off any longer.”

“And you would be very correct.” Collin nods.

“Then you told me about Declan. So, I thought that something between you and Collin wasn’t going to happen.”

“Like I’d allow that,” Collin mutters.

“Enough.” Carol glares at her son.

“But then I saw the way you two were when hanging out a few weeks ago, and I had no doubt there was something going on between the two of you. No one looks at someone with that much love and are not together.”

Oh, little does she know it very much happens. More than most would like.

“How did you know she was seeing both of us? Maybe she’s been seeing me behind Declan’s back, and you just outed her,” Collin challenges.

My mom gives me a matching glare to the one Carol gave her son. “Because I know my daughter. She would never cheat.”

“And you're okay with all of this?” I ask her. “Me dating more than one person?”

“I am. I love you, and I just want you to be happy. I just hope you know how much work it’s going to be. This world is ruthless and cutthroat. But I know with those two by your side, you will be fine.”

“But you are expected to keep your relationship private.” Carol gives Collin a look.

“Yeah, yeah, until after she’s out of my class, I know.” Collin rolls his eyes.

With my eyes, I tell him we’re having a conversation about this later. I can’t get mad at anyone for keeping secrets when I seem to be keeping more than everyone combined.

Maybe I’ll believe the lies I tell myself if I tell them enough.

“How come you didn’t say anything to me?” I ask Mom.

She shrugs, expression loving. “I was waiting for you to come to me. But I can see how you might not feel like this would be something you could talk to me about. But I want you to know that you can come to me about anything. I love you, Sadie. And I’ll support whoever you choose to love. No matter the numbers.”

“Mom.” My eyes sting, and I wrap my arms around her. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too, honey.”