Reckless

Prologue

"There are moments in our lives when we find ourselves at a crossroad, afraid, confused, without a roadmap. The choices we make in those moments can define the rest of our days. Of course when faced with the unknown, most of us prefer to turn around and go back."
                                                 - Lucas Scott

Ella

I can't breathe.
I'm frozen.
Scared.
Confused?
I can't stop the tears rolling down my cheeks.
I'm numb.

"Ella!" A voice calls out. One I recognise. Familiar. Home. It belongs to him. "Els," he calls again, his voice sounding closer now.

"Don't fucking touch her." Another voice. Angrier. This one belongs to another important part of my soul.

"Oh, fuck off Cal. This isn't about you and me anymore. Can't you see she's upset. Ella, baby. Open your eyes."

I don't.
I can't.

"Don't act like you care about her Ro."

"I do fucking care about her."

"Bullshit."

It's him or me Ella. That's what he said. Him or me.
How can I choose?
I can't.
I love them both.

"You don't know anything."

"I know enough. I know you. You manipulated her into thinking you care but you don't. You don't care about anyone but yourself. Always are and always will be a selfish prick. You got what you wanted, Roman. Now leave her the fuck alone or help me god I will..."

"You'll what? Punch me? You've done that already. I gave you your one free shot. Try it again and see what happens."

"I'm in love with her."

"Yeah? Well that makes two of us."

My heart sinks.
He's in love with me.
They are in love with me.
He's never told me how he felt about me.
None of them have.

They can't make me choose.
I love them both.
But, I'm only in love with one of them.

"Ella?"

I can't do this.

I can't.