Once His Mate Now His Rival (by Lord Browny) novel Chapter 27

Chapter Twenty Seven

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The drive back home was filled with silence. Amber rested her head against the car window as she drowned in her thoughts. She still couldn’t believe everything that had just transpired between her and Damon.

His confession, the kiss, and that burning desire in his eyes when he said he wanted her back.

She could still remember the way his lips tasted when they crashed against hers, the scent of him as he cornered her in that dark room, and the electric sensation he’d sent through her body without even realizing.

Amber clenched her fist. She hated herself for even thinking about it, especially after everything he’d done to her.

That man had treated her like garbage, made her feel small and useless. And yet, here she was, thinking about him again, all because he’d spewed a few well–rehearsed lies.

When the car finally pulled up in front of her house, Amber got down and walked straight to her room. She took a long shower, changed into a nightdress, and crawled into bed.

Grabbing her phone, she saw seven missed calls. Three from Jessie and four from Marcus. There was also a text from Marcus saying he’d arrived at the event but couldn’t find her anywhere.

Amber stared at the screen, debating who to call first. After a moment, she decided she’d had enough drama for one night and dialed Jessie’s number.

“Hey babe.” Jessie’s cheerful voice came through.

“Hey, Jess,” Amber replied quietly.

“So tell me… how did the event go?”

“Not good.”

“Let me guess, that bitch gave you one hell of a night. I knew I should have come with you.”

“It’s okay, Jess. I’m fine. Nothing bad happened. I just got home.”

“You sure? cause you sound exhausted. See why I told you letting Mr. Henry handle it was the better idea? You shouldn’t have gone in the first place. Now, spill it, what happened?”

Amber sighed, knowing there was no way she’d be allowed to sleep without giving Jessie every detail. So she told her everything, every confrontation, every word, her time with Monroe and her moment with Damon..

“Those bitches,” Jessie snapped when she was done. “How dare they try to bully you at your own event? I don’t understand why you haven’t sued them yet.”

“You know how the law works, Jess. It’d take too much time and energy, neither of which I can afford right now. Besides, that bitch and her father aren’t my main concern. I know how to handle them if they try to mess with me. The only person I’m tired of is Damon. After the stunt he pulled tonight, I’m honestly considering filing a restraining order.”

“That bastard, I can’t believe he’s trying to get you back after everything he put you through. Who does he think he is? But tell me, Bree, how do you really feel right now?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean about Damon… after everything he said and did tonight. Be honest with me. Do you still love him?”

“No!” Amber replied instantly.

“Bree, I need the truth.”

Chapter Twenty Seven

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“That’s the truth Jess. I want nothing to do with that man.”

“I also don’t want you getting involved with him, but there’s a reason you still haven’t moved on. It’s why you and Marcus still aren’t engage, even though he’s made it clear he wants a future with you. Is it because you still have feelings for Damon?”

Amber groaned. “Please don’t bring Marcus into this.”

“I have to, Bree. You’ve been avoiding this for too long. If Damon is still holding space in your heart, then Marcus deserves to know.”

Amber fell silent. Her mind flooded with memories from the night, the kiss, Damon’s eyes, his tears when he confessed.

“I don’t know what the truth is, Jess.” She finally said.

“You still love him, don’t you?”

“I don’t know Jess. I don’t fucking know.” Amber snapped, her voice cracking.

“God, I hate myself so much right now. Damon hurt me so badly. He treated me like dirt when all I ever did was love him. And after so long, I told myself I was over him. But tonight… when he kissed me, my body reacted in ways it never did before. I don’t know if it’s just because I’ve been celibate for too long. I’ve been with Marcus, but I’ve never felt anything like this. What’s wrong with me?”

She got up and began pacing the room, running her fingers through her hair.

“It’s not your fault Bree.” Jessie said gently. “You need to calm down.”

“I can’t calm down, Jess! How am I supposed to stay calm when I feel this way about a man who destroyed me? I hate him so much, and yet… I still feel something. How can I want to hurt him and still… still… want him?”

Jessie sighed. “It’s not your fault. Damon said he’s always loved you, but has he ever shown it?”

Amber paused. “I don’t know. The night the twins were conceived, he came home and found me watching a movie. I don’t know what got into him, but he sat beside me. We laughed. For once, he felt… normal. Before I knew it, one thing led to another, and we had sex.”

Her voice broke. “The next morning, he was back to his cold, cruel self. Two weeks later, I caught him cheating. Everything went downhill after that.”

Jess fell silent for a while before speaking,

“Have you thought about talking to him? Really talking?”

“God no!” Amber exclaimed. “That would mean letting him back into my life and that’s the last thing I need right now.”

“I understand, babe,” Jessie said. “How about you get some sleep? Things might feel a little lighter in the morning.”

Amber sighed. “You’re probably right. Thanks for listening Jess. I know I must sound pathetic.”

“Are you kidding me? You could never bore me, Bree. I’m here for you, always. That’s what sisters are for.”

Amber smiled weakly. “Thanks babe. I love you.”

“I love you too. Now go to bed.”

“Yes mom.” Amber laughed softly before hanging up.

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Chapter Twenty Seven

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She was about to lie down when her bedroom door creaked open and Jason stepped in, tears streaming down his

cheeks.

Amber rushed over and knelt beside him. “Hey, honey. What’s wrong? Why are you crying?”

“I want my daddy!” he sobbed. “Where’s Daddy?”