CH 31

BRYAN'S POV

"I'm sorry, Bryan. I can't be a man's second option, I just can't," she muttered, pulling her hands from mine. Without another word, she walked into the bathroom and shut the door behind her. The sound of her muffled sobs reached me through the walls, and it felt like a dagger twisting in my chest.

I hated myself for being the source of her pain. I left the room, giving her the space she clearly needed.

After last night, I know exactly what I want from her it's not just about having her in my bed. She doesn't even realize how much she controls my emotions. She's like a magnet, drawing me in, even when I know I should keep my distance.

But after our outburst and the heated argument that followed, I don't know where we stand anymore.

I want to move on from the painful memories of Mia, but they haunt me, creeping into my thoughts at the worst times those moments we shared, the way we made love, the sweetness of our time together.

I don't want to hurt Laura, but I can't let