As much as I wish I had met Calypso years ago, had gotten to her before Stefan ever had a chance, I’ve started to accept that this is our fate. Those missed connections weren’t the universe warning us away from each other; it was waiting for us to become therightversions of ourselves for each other.
She nods and blinks quickly. “I’d agree with that,” she whispers.
“You’ve never been an obligation to me, Calypso,” I say, wanting to make sure she has the actual words. “Not for a single second.”
“Thank you,” she says quietly before kissing me.
It’s her way of ending the conversation, and I go with it. I don’t need any grand gesture of commitment, especially not when I’m in her bed every single night. It’s enough for me, and as of now, it’s what she needs. When she’s ready for more, if that’s something she ever wants, I’ll be happy to give her that too.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Calypso
I really,reallyhoped to never find myself back here and yet… here we are.
Liam and I are sitting in Mia’s office as his cousin folds her arms on the desk across from us. She looks like a total boss in her dark plum pinstripe pantsuit and her slick-back bun. Those years of ballet really prepared her for this career.
“Is thereanythingelse that has happened?” Her question is directed toward me, but her eyes flit to Liam’s for a second.
I nod. “That’s everything.”
It’s the truth. As I promised Mia almost nine years ago, I haven’t lied to her.
“Okay, then. I’m going to reach out to one of my friends who is a PI be—”
“Is that necessary?” I blurt out. Glancing at Liam for support, I’m not surprised to see him swaying toward Mia’s side of things.
Leaning forward, Mia tries to soften her features but it’s hopeless. Part of what I like about Mia is that she’s always given it to me straight—no bullshitting or walking on eggshells.
I tilt my head and give her a blank stare, trying to silently remind her of that. We both went to the Pippa Brown School of Dance, Etiquette, and Not Taking Shit From Anyone.
She lets out a breath but wipes the placating expression off her face. “It is necessary. If—and I really hope so—but if going to the bar and waiting for you is the worst thing he's done, then okay. It might not be, though.”
I swallow. “I know, and to be honest, I doubt it was.”
Mia sighs and taps her long claw-like nails on the desk. “Me either.”
“Can she file a restraining order?” Liam cuts in.
Mia’s eyes widen before looking back at me. “Doesshewant to file one?”
Liam’s head turns toward me but I don’t meet his eye.
“I… I don’t know. It doesn’t feel necessary.” I shrug.
Liam scoffs. “What do you mean it doesn’t feel necessary, Calypso? He has stalked you—”
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Mia cuts in.
His head whips toward his cousin. “Youjustsaid you don’t think his efforts stopped at the bar. What the fuck, Mia?”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell him not to cuss at Mia, but she speaks first. “I respect Calypso’s wishes, even if I’d prefer she did something different. That’s how trust works, Liam.”
He opens his mouth but bites back whatever he’s going to say.
To be fair, Liam is the first person I’ve opened up to in a long time. I adore Mia, but she doesn’t count since I pay for her time and loyalty. That’s not totally true, I know that, but there’s always going to be a slightly different dynamic between us because in these situations, she is my lawyer first.
Liam turns in his seat and lowers his voice, as if that would stop Mia from hearing.
