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A sharp pain pierces through my sternum.
He puts on his helmet, starts the engine and then he’s gone, disappearing into the night.
I swallow my hurt and turn to face Grayson. Now that we’re alone, he can talk. He can tell his side of the story. But why does he look as miserable as I feel on the inside, now that he’s in front of me and I’m reminded of every emotional wound he’s given me.
Grayson clears his throat nervously. “You look good, healthy.” His eyes sweep over my body. “Still as beautiful as I remember. Your hair is lighter though.”
“Why are you here?” I ask shakily. I don’t want the pleasantries; I don’t want his sweet words, and I can’t bear the tender look he has in his eyes when he looks at me.
I can’t risk falling for him again.
But it’s impossible not to stumble and fall…when you have a man like Grayson looking at you as if you are carrying the moon in the palms of your hands.
His throat bobs with a hard swallow. “Lila told me you were back in town, I wanted to see you.”
When did he meet Lila? Why is he meeting with Lila?
But that’s not important right now.
He wanted to see me?
After almost three years. After breaking my heart and leaving me with no closure?
He wants to see me now?
It feels like I’ve been punched in the gut. His words tear through my soul, ripping through my freshly-healed wounds until I’m bleeding again. For him.
“It wasn’t easy for me to get over you, Grayson. You can’t just walk back into my life, when I’m finally ready to move on.” I shake my head, frustrated tears burning the back of my eyes. “That’s not fair.”
I advance toward him, until we’re close enough that I can feel the warmth emanating from his body. Familiar warmth that used to make me feel safe.
I stab a finger into his chest and I feel his heartbeat under my fingertip. The steady beat of his heart that I used to listen and fall asleep to. “I waited for you. I gave you time. More than enough time, actually. Years, Grayson. Not weeks or months, I gave you years to come back and give me an explanation. But now you decide to come back?” I growl furiously. “I’ve picked up the broken pieces already, Grayson.”
That’s a lie.
I’m still picking up the pieces.
His lies and deceit have caused me to fear the idea of love. I’m scared of trusting another man with my heart because of him.
I’m still broken…
Though, I’ve hid it well.
“Give me a chance to stay,” he begs.
“What happens when you leave again?” I croak quietly, my words all choked up.
His eyes darken with agony. “I won’t.”
Shaking my head, a bittersweet smile ghosts my lips. “You broke us. I don’t think I have the strength to trust you again.” To love you again…
CHAPTER FORTY-NINE
Grayson— 22 years old
For almost three years, I kept Riley away from me.
Though I watched her from a safe distance. I am always watching her.
