Axel let Ivan hold him, sinking into his arms as if the strength had been pulled out of him all at once.
Dallas kept blinking so much, like he was trying to hold his own emotions back.
After a while, Axel pulled away slightly, his voice unsteady. "It's not that I don't want us to be together. I've wished so many times for you two to get along. But seeing you kiss... it was just..." His voice faltered before he tried again. "Realizing that you finally got along while I was gone, it just started twisting things in my head."
"I get it," Ivan cut in gently, his hand coming up to wipe the tears from Axel's cheeks. "You don't have to explain." His voice softened further. "You know I'll always love you. And you know how much Dallas loves you, don't you?"
"I know..." Axel murmured, his gaze shifting toward Dallas. "I'm sorry if I made you feel like I wouldn't want something like this."
"It's fine," Dallas said quietly. "I let my insecurities and fear get the best of me."
