Choosing You: The Pierced Hearts Duet: Book Two

by M. Robinson

  “Cami?”

  “Yes. I love her. I’ve always loved her, and you have too. It’s why I chose her for you.”

  “How?”

  “I already told you, through the sunflowers.”

  “Beauty, I don’t und—”

  “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and for thirty-eight years you gave me everything. Baby, I’ll always have your past, but Camila has your future, and neither is more valuable than the other. I’ll always be with you, to look over you and our family, but it’s time for you to say goodbye to me. I want you to live life again. I need you to do it… for me, for you, for her, and our babies.”

  “I struggle with the way I feel for her every day. I made vows to you, Bay, and it feels like I’m betraying you.”

  “Till death do us part, Aiden Pierce. Do you understand me?”

  I nodded, unable to form words again.

  “She makes you very happy. She brought the light back into our home. She loves our babies, and Journey already thinks she’s her mother. It doesn’t hurt me, Aiden. It sets me free.”

  “It’s always been me and you against the world, Beauty.”

  “We beat the odds. The world isn’t against us anymore. You made sure of it.”

  “I didn’t save you.”

  “You couldn’t. Life works in mysterious ways. It’s ugly and beautiful at the same time. We’ve seen both sides and now our babies will have to. I’m so sorry for doing that to you and them, but I don’t want them to stop living because of it.”

  “It’s not your fault, Bay.”

  “You deserve to love again.”

  With my voice breaking, I muttered, “I’ll always love you, Bailey Button, not to be confused with belly button.”

  She laughed, and it lit up her entire face. “That’s still corny as ever.”

  I couldn’t help myself, holding her face in between my hands I kissed her forehead, her cheeks, the tip of her nose. Bringing her closer to me.

  “I’ll always love you, Aiden Pierce. I need you to tell my babies that I love them too. That I will always live in their hearts.”

  “You’ll always live in my heart, no matter what. You will always be a part of me. I love you, Bailey Pierce. I just don’t know how to say goodbye to you, Bay.”

  She smiled with tears streaming down her cheeks. “It’s simple…” Taking my face in her hands, she peered deep into my gaze.

  Whispering, “You just need to open your eyes and wake up.”

  <>Camila<>

  I stirred awake only because Aiden was moving around so much, mumbling as if he was having a really intense dream.

  I guess he was a light sleeper.

  Yawning, I stretched. Feeling right at home with him beside me. It was the scariest sensation, handing your heart over to someone else. Praying they wouldn’t hurt you.

  I told myself I was just being paranoid, but panic was creeping on in. I couldn't shake this awful feeling. Maybe I was reading too much into it, but then he groaned, “You will always be a part of me. I love you, Bailey Pierce,” in his sleep.

  All my insecurities.

  My concerns.

  My doubts.

  They were all blatantly staring me in the face, coming out of the mouth of the man I knew would hurt me in the end.

  Camila, how could you be so stupid?

  My heart dropped.

  All the air left my lungs.

  And it wasn’t just my heart I fucked up. I loved his kids, and now my job would be on the line after this.

  Hearing those words gutted me. I went from feeling so special, to so unwanted in a matter of seconds. The pain of his words drowning me in a sea of pain.

  How could I face him? His kids? His family?

  They weren’t yours. They never were. This man still loves his wife.

  You’ll never be good enough.

  You’ll always live in her shadow.

  You’re. Not. Bailey.

  Run…

  I didn’t think twice about it. I softly slipped out of the bed, careful not to wake him. Sneaking into the dark closet to grab my clothes and shoes, I tiptoed out of my room.

  Once I was in the hallway and he couldn’t hear me, I darted toward the stairs. My feet rushing so fast down the steps, I almost tripped and ate shit. At the last second, I caught myself on the railing, but it didn’t stop my foot from rolling sideways.

  “Fuck!” I exclaimed in pain, holding onto my ankle. “Shit!”

  Slowly, I limped out the front door, trying not to put any weight on my left foot. The pain radiated up my leg, causing tears to well up in my eyes. Making it hard to see two feet in front of me, but I needed to get out of there quick.

  “Ow!” I hobbled past his SUV, not wanting to take it knowing he could track it. The last thing I wanted to do was talk to him right now.

  At least not yet.

  Not with how I was feeling.

  So I jumped on the bus, turned off the locater on my phone.

  And left him.

  Chapter 24

  <>Camila<>

  “Oh gurl, no you did not leave that handsome man in bed by himself this mornin’?” Danté chastised with the snap of his fingers.

  “Shhh… my parents are going to hear you.”

  They were inside cooking lunch while Danté and I sat outside talking on the patio.

  “This was the plan anyway. We were all supposed to spend today together for my birthday.”

  “Yeah, but not wit’ you doin’ the walk of shame. Look at your ankle.” He gestured to it. “That bitch be swellin’ up like a balloon.”

  “I’m fine. The ice will make it go down.”

  “Gurl, the ice ain’t doin’ shit but freezin’ your foot off.”

  My phone rang again. I didn’t have to look at it to know who it was. I hit silent and ignored him.

  “How many times you gonna ghost him? That’s like the twenty-ish time he’s fuckin’ called you. All you earnin’ is him spankin’ dat ass. Unless that’s whatcha lookin’ for?”

  I rolled my eyes. “Danté, he said he loved his wife in his sleep. What the hell was I supposed to do?”

  “I don’t know, fuckin’ wake him up by slappin’ him upside the head like most women would do. Not run from him.”

  “I didn’t run.”

  “Oh, Miss Thang, you ran so fuckin’ fast you broke your ankle, and left skid marks all the way from there to here. I can still see the smoke comin’ outta your ass.”

  “Ah!” I whimpered, moving the ice pack to the other side of my ankle. “I didn’t break it, it’s just sprained.”

  “Yeah, cuz you a doctor. How ‘bout you answer the doctor we do know before he—”

  Ping.

  Another text message. I ignored that too. “Whose side are you on anyway?”

  “The man you left in bed,” he paused, cocking his hip out. “Was he naked?”

  “I can’t even talk to you.”

  “Psshhh, honey please. That man gave you multiples and you’re still fuckin’ bitchy.”

  “He. Said. He. Loved. His. Wife.”

  “I. Don’t. Give. A. Fuck.”

  “You’re impossible.”

  “Camila, look in a mirror, okay? Don’t try me. I’ll always love my old dog, but that don’t mean I don’t love my new dog.”

  “You got a dog?”

  “Oh God, Gurl. I did two days ago. He’s so cute too. Such a little shit, so I named him Jackson.”

  I laughed. I couldn’t help it. Danté was my best friend for a reason.

  “Speaking of little shits, did you hear Sean got arrested this mornin’?”

  “Sean?” I jerked back, shaken up. “Are you sure?”

  “Mmm hmm, and word around the street is he gonna be behind dem bars for a long motherfuckin’ time.”

  “For what?”

  “Possession of an illegal firearm used in a murder.”

  “No.”

  “Yes.”

  “How?�
�

  “I don’t know, gurl. I ain’t the C.I.A. I guess it had his dirty, grubby prints on it.”

  “Sean would never leave his gun behind anywhere.”

  “Honey, you act like Sean is the brightest crayon in the box or somethin’. That man stupid as fuck. Who the hell knows, all I do know is the tea is motherfuckin’ hot this mornin’. Everyone in the neighborhood talkin’ ‘bout him finally gettin’ what he was due for. A cock in his fuckin’ ass!”

  “Danté! My parents!”

  “They can’t hear me, they cookin’. You know how they be when they be cookin’. So anyways, happy late birthday to you, baby girl. Your pain in the ass be gone, for sho.”

  “How did they even prove it was his prints? He doesn’t have a record.”

  “Gurl, you don’t remember that one time he went to Juvie for threatenin’ the principal in high school?”

  “Oh yeah. I completely forgot about that.”

  “That’s cuz you were too busy suckin’ his cock, like a chicken head.”

  “Ugh, don’t remind me.”

  He wiggled his eyebrows. “Did you suck Dr. Daddy’s dick?”

  “Danté…”

  “Oh, come on, give me somethin’! Was he huge? I bet he is by the way you walkin’ today.”

  I smirked, batting my lashes. “A lady never tells. Plus, I’m walking funny because of my ankle”

  “Well since you ain’t no lady, spill.”

  “He was…ummm…yeah…”

  “Dayum son,” he sang. “Not only is that man gorgeous, he is packin’ some motherfuckin’ heat.”

  “Shhh… my parents are going to hear you.”

  “Honey, they’d be happy you finally got that stick outta your ass. And he’s a surgeon, like a surgeon at his hospital. Bitch, you marryin’ a Chief of fuckin’ Surgery, your man saves lives.”

  “Now we’re getting married?”

  “Did you make your ass clap on that dick? Cuz if you did, you sure as hell are.” He put his finger in my face. “I don’t look good in anything pink, coral, or teal. Okay? Remember that for my maid of honor suit.”

  “You’re unbelievable.”

  “Camila, don’t be selfish. You’re already marryin’ my prince charmin’. The least you could do is make sure I look my best in your weddin’ photos.”

  His phone rang, interrupting us.

  “Ah, shit… it’s your future baby daddy.”

  “Don’t answer it.”

  “Hmmm…” He thought about it for a second.

  “Danté, I mean it. Don’t you dare ans—”

  “Hiiiiiiiiii,” he answered, and I jumped up, instantly screeching out in pain.

  “Yes, that was her. No… I don’t think that’d be a good idea, cuz then she’ll just throw my phone, and I don’t wanna be at Verizon all day buyin’ a new one. Ain’t no one got time for that.”

  I swear I heard Aiden growl from the other end of the phone.

  “She actually don’t wanna talk to you right now, cuz you said you loved your wife in your sleep.”

  My mouth dropped open. “Danté! I can’t believe you,” I clenched out, fucking furious.

  “Shhh!” He hushed me, putting his hand in my face. “I’m talkin’ on the phone!”

  “I’m going to kick your ass!” I took a step and recoiled in pain.

  “She hurt her ankle on your stairs when she was haulin’ ass outta your house.” He looked over at my foot, I was clutching in my hands. “It’s really swollin’, kinda purple, blue thing goin’ on wit’ it… No, she won’t go. She says she’s fine… Oh, I know, I told her she wasn’t a doctor too.”

  “Danté, I swear to God if you—”

  He put his hand over the speaker. “I’m on the phone!” Rolling his eyes, he uncovered it. “Sorry ‘bout that, she’s rude as all hell. I already told her she shoulda’ just smacked you, not ran out on you. Mmm hmm… Yes… Oh, I agree… Oh, that’s perfect… Oh, I love that idea… Mmm hmm… Right… Okay then… I’ll text it to you… Byeeeeee.” He hung up.

  I stood there with my arms crossed over my chest, livid. “I hate you.”

  He typed something in his phone, put it in his back pocket then peered up at me, annoyed.

  “I just saved your relationship. You’re welcome.”

  “We don’t have a relationship.”

  “That’s not what he said.”

  “What?” I lowered my eyebrows. “What did he say?”

  “Maybe you should check your messages, cuz I’m sure he said everythin’ there.” With that, he sidestepped me and went inside the house.

  “I cannot believe him.”

  But I was still dying to know what Aiden said.

  “Goddamn it!”

  I hobbled after him inside, holding back my temper so my parents wouldn’t ask me any questions. Glaring at Danté like I did Jackson from the table.

  He simply smiled, waving his fingers at me from the couch. After watching the telenovela on the screen for what felt like forever, I couldn’t resist the urge any longer. I pulled out my phone and swiped the screen, reading the text messages.

  7:43 AM “My Tiny Dancer, being left alone in bed isn’t how I expected to wake up this morning. Where are you?”

  7:59 AM “Did you go out to grab us breakfast? Why aren’t you answering your phone?”

  8:18 AM “I don’t understand what’s going on, and you not answering your goddamn phone doesn’t help me!”

  8:34 AM “Are you okay?”

  9:04 AM “I have a hundred different scenarios running through my mind on what could have happened to you, so—”

  “Mama Dukes!” Danté shouted, bringing my attention to him. Instantly feeling like a piece of shit for making Aiden worry about me.

  I didn’t think he would. I guess I wasn’t thinking about him at all.

  “Shit.”

  “Oh gurl, I know, you in trouble wit’ a capital T!”

  My mom walked out into the living room with a mixing bowl in her hand.

  “When is your delicious lunch ready? Your boy is hungry.”

  “I’m almost finished, Hijo,” she called him son before looking over at me. “Are you hungry, baby?”

  “I’m okay, Mom.”

  “Ay, look at you. Skin and bones. Are you eating?”

  “Yes, I’m eating.”

  “Did you put Vicks on your ankle?”

  “Mom, vapor rub doesn’t fix everything.”

  “Papi! Tell your daughter she needs to eat more!” she hollered, ignoring me.

  “Oh God,” I muttered under my breath as my dad walked into the living room with two beers in his hands. Giving one to Danté.

  “What your Mita says. You need to eat more.”

  “I do eat, Dad.”

  “Well we wouldn’t know. We haven’t seen you in months.”

  “I know. I’m sorry. I’ve just been busy with work.”

  “What kind of employer doesn’t give you time off to see your parents?”

  “It has nothing to do with him. The kids take up all my time.”

  Danté coughed, “Bullshit.”

  I shot daggers at him.

  “Danté, have you met this man? The one she works for?”

  “I have and you actually gonna meet him—” A knock abruptly sounded from the door. “Now.”

  “What?!” I shouted, almost falling out of my damn chair.

  Danté didn’t miss a beat, practically skipping to the door to answer it.

  I’ll never forget the expression on Aiden’s face when Danté opened the door. His eyes went from him, to me, to my parents.

  All the blood drained from his face as he announced, “Mario? Eva?”

  Leaving me completely confused.

  How did he know my parents’ names?

  <>Aiden<>

  “What the fuck?”

  “Faith!” Eva reprimanded. “Don’t cuss! Unless you want me to wash your mouth out with soap!”

  I jerked back, my eyes opening
as wide as could be. “Faith? I thought your name is Camila?”

  “You’ve been able to pronounce my name this whole time?”

  Mario stepped forward. “Aiden?”

  “What the hell is going on?” Danté chimed in, taking the words right out of my mouth.

  “How do you know my parents’ names?”

  “They’re your parents? Mario and Eva?” I questioned, trying to keep up.

  She nodded. “Yeah. Are you going to tell me how you know their names?”

  “Not until you tell me why the hell your driver’s license says Camila Jimenez when your name is Faith de la Ramirez?”

  “How do you know that?”

  “Wait!” Eva interrupted, putting her hands out. “How do you know each other?”

  “He’s my boss. How do you know him?”

  The surprised expression on her parents faces mirrored one another.

  “He was our foster son,” she simply stated, looking at me with so much love in her eyes. As if no time had passed between us. “Hijo, we haven’t seen you in decades. Ven aqui,” she said, “Come here.” Pulling me into a tight hug, Mario following suit. “Ay dios mio! What a beautiful surprise!” Eva pulled away, grabbing my stunned face in between her hands. “Mírate, look at you, so handsome. My boy is a man.”

  “I knew it! I knew you guys were soulmates!” Danté cheered, clapping his hands in excitement. Making my head spin.

  Eva let go of my face, and Camila and I locked eyes.

  This morning kept going from one thing to another. I woke up alone with the bed cold beside me. At first, I thought she left to get us breakfast, but when she didn’t answer my calls or texts, I got worried.

  I was ready to call every fucking hospital in North Carolina, thinking she was in a car accident.

  Or worse…

  Sean retaliated, and someone hurt her, but Damien reassured me that would never happen.

  Skyler saw my face as soon as she walked through the door with my kids.

  The panic.

  The turmoil.

  Was killing me all over again.

  I didn’t have to say a word, she knew it.

  I was in love with Camila.

  After I told her what happened, and how I couldn’t fucking find her, she said to call Danté. Through my terror, I didn’t even consider him. When I heard her yell and then whimper in pain, my heart fell to the goddamn floor beneath me.