#Chapter 374 – The Call

“Jess –“ Rafe holds out a hand towards his cousin, deeply aware that he’s crossed a bridge he never, ever wanted to cross. That he’s said the words his cousin has maybe been waiting for, and fearing, his entire life. “No,” Jesse says, shaking his head, his eyes filling with tears. “You said it. Now own it. Because you’re fucking right.” All of Rafe’s anger leaves him in a rush and he stares at his cousin, agonized at what he just did. At what he let his stupid rage lead him to – saying words he didn’t even fucking mean to his best friend in the world, just because he lost his temper and wanted – so badly – to hurt him in turn. “Do you think it’s been easy for me?” Jesse asks Rafe, wiping hard at his eyes with his sleeve, desperate not to cry in front of his cousin but failing immediately at the task. “Growing up in your shadow? Standing next to you – the perfect Prince – my entire life? Being compared to you at every turn – in athletics, in academics, in looks, in charm, in abil