An Unwanted Attraction

Scum Of This City

Knox's POV

We need to talk.

It's only four of the scariest words that can be said. Especially, if they come from a loved one or a person you deeply care about.

Those four simple words can make a flood of emotions course through your body. Your mind races with thoughts or ideas as to what they may need to talk about. Nine times out of ten, your first thought is something bad.

But, sometimes there's no other way of trying to make sure someone knows what you're about to say is important...

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"Lachy, we need to talk." His body instantly stiffens before he pulls away. The comfort I had from his arms has now dissipated. A chill in the air causes goosebumps to form.

I don't mean to make Lachlan worry, but I can't keep holding my feelings inside anymore. It's eating me alive. I've never kept a secret from him. We are always open and honest with each other.

My daddy always said, "Opportunities don't last forever. If you want something, go after it. For if you don't, you could lose it forever."

So, here I am. I'm about to tell Lachlan that I love him... more than a friend. I've loved him for years. How can I not? He's so selfless and caring. He goes out of his way to protect me. He never lets me keep my worries to myself. He's constantly offering to help shoulder my burdens. He doesn't even know how lucky I feel having him in my life.

The one thing I hate is that I know he's hiding something big from me. Any other time, I would pressure him into telling me what's bothering him, but this secret feels like something I shouldn't force him to reveal. I can tell he's internally struggling. So, I'll let him tell me on his own.

"Blue?" I'm pulled from my thoughts by Lachlan's worried tone. "What do we need to talk about?"

Rip off the bandaid.

"I love you, Lachlan James Carlisle." I say proudly.

He has a lopsided smile adorning his face. Is it possible he feels the same way?

"I love you too, Blue." He replies. "You're my best friend."

For a straight A student, he can be pretty oblivious. What an airhead!

"No, Lachy. I love you more than friends." I look him straight in the eyes. "I love you so much it physically hurts, sometimes. The way you smile at me when I say something silly. Your laugh. God, I could listen to your laugh all day. It's such a beautiful sound. It makes my heart flutter. I constantly have butterflies when I'm around you. I want to call you mine."

I continue staring deep into his gaze. I can't read his emotions which means he's shutting down. Did I just ruin ten years of friendship by opening my stupid mouth?

I watch his every move as he silently stands up and walks out of my room. A few seconds later, I hear the front door slam shut.

Why did I do this? He hates me, now.

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Briony's POV

Arriving at my apartment after two hours in Satan's castle, otherwise known as the gym, I am going to relax in a nice, warm bath for an hour. I set my keys and phone down on the counter and I'm just about to head to my bathroom when there's a timid knock at my door.

I open it to see Lachlan completely distraught. His hair is matted to his forehead, his clothes disheveled, and he's... crying. Just the sight of him this way is breaking my heart.