Page 60 of Butterfly
“Tell me why I shouldn’t kick you out.” His teeth flash as he steps closer. “If I hadn’t called her, I don’t know what would’ve happened to her.”
His words are like a bucket of icy water poured over me. “I care about Sienna. All this mess—”
“It’s because of you.”
“Dammit, Tyler!” I clench my fists. “I’m ready to risk my career for her. There’s nothing I want more than to be with her.”
“Just because you’re rich and famous—”
“Do you think my money and fame are so important? I envy you, your life, and your strength. You don’t compromise, and I wish I were like you. But the world I live in is unforgiving. It swallows and devours people like Sienna. And I’d rather die than hurt her. I don’t give a damn if you believe me or not.”
The cast of his shoulders relaxes a fraction. “Why are you here?”
“To talk to her.” I go to brush past him, but he blocks me again.
“Wait. I’ll let you talk to her if she wants to,” he says in a low tone.
“You won’tletme do anything.” I step close enough to him to see a tiny scar under his eye.
“She’s too fragile at the moment.”
“I want to talk to him.” Sienna’s voice sounds close. She’s standing on the threshold. “I didn’t expect Alex to come here.”
Tyler’s expression softens as he turns to her. “Do you want to talk to him alone?”
She hesitates, and for a horrible moment, I’m worried she might say no. But thank goodness she nods.
Tyler shoots daggers at me before leaving us alone. “I’ll wait outside.”
The door shuts with a thud, and I’m alone with Sienna. I shove my hands in my pockets because I don’t want to hold her and put her off. “You talked to him.” Of all the things I wanted to tell her, I’m starting with the wrong one, but what the hell? I’m hurt. “Were you about to—”
“No!” Her answer is quick and strong, and her eyes widen. “Don’t listen to Tyler. He worries too much. He doesn’t understand. Well, I don’t either.” She exhales as if exhausted. “I just needed a friend. A friend who was safe.”
“Safe?” I nearly growl.
“He doesn’t make me want to rip his clothes off him.” The ghost of a smile pulls up her lips, and I’m smiling too. She grimaces. “That would be horrible.”
“Am I dangerous then?”
“Very.” She saunters closer, her black dress hugging her curves perfectly.
“You’re dangerous too.” I brush her cheek with my knuckles. “Sienna. We need to talk more. You need to talk to me more.”
“I know.” The answer lacks determination. “I’m sorry I fled your house.”
Yeah, running is what she does.
“But…” The hint of lust is gone as her chest rises with a shaky inhale. “I’m scared, Alex. My emotions scare me.” She shivers, but when I go to hold her, she lifts a hand. “Listen, I promise I’ll talk to you about me more. I’ll do my best.”
That’s all I ask. “I’ll be more understanding, I promise. Mostly because I don’t want Tyler to punch me senseless.”
A chuckle leaves her. “That would be unpleasant.”
Silence stretches, and she looks pale in the dimly lit room.
“Tired?” I ask.
“Exhausted.” She rubs her eyes. “Emotions tire me. In a way, it’s a good thing, because, after a breakdown, I usually manage to sleep.”