1 Prologue

"I once believed you were an angel gifted to me by a forgiving god," he said. "But now I realize it was a cruel and punishing god, intent on tearing me apart."

The deep, low current of the man's voice pierced Nolan's chest, inviting the thumpity-thump of his heartbeat to increase tenfold. His breath hitched and he staggered backward, his anxiety reaching newfound levels as his intention to create distance was shattered when the looming figure stalked forward. The man eyed him like he had committed an unforgivable act, an act worthy of annihilation.

Nolan's hands flew up to act as a buffer. "Wait! Calm down, Mr. Mathers. If we could just sit down and talk about this, I can-"

"REI. My name is Rei," he hissed with a glare. "I'm done being nice. I'm done being ignored. I should be the center of your universe."

It didn't matter what Nolan said. His words only seemed to infuriate the man more. Tears pricked along the corners of his eyes, building from weeks of having the irascible man stalking him and making outrageous demands. "I'm sorry I don't remember you. I really am. If you would just give me some time, then maybe-"

"There is no maybe. You will remember me. You are not allowed to go anywhere until you do. This is your home now. I am your home," Rei growled.

"You're being crazy!" Nolan screamed. Hot tears flowed down his cheeks like a mini water fountain. "I've already told you you've got the wrong person! How can you be this unreasonable? Who treats people this way?"

Nolan's head hit the back wall before the rest of his body did. Not even a second after, a loud thud echoed against his eardrums, and a set of arms, corded with thick muscles and veins, caged him in. He could feel himself shrinking underneath the intimidating form.

"So not only did you forget me, but you dare insult me, too? No matter how many years have passed, I will always be able to pick you out of a crowd in a blink of an eye, Nolan. Yet, memories and promises must be fleeting for you if you've forgotten about me. How pathetic and a pushover you must think I am." Rei smoothed Nolan's hair back, pressed his forehead against his, and sighed. "No matter. We have the rest of our lives to make up for lost time."