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“Tasha was with me, but she went up. I wanted to finish my drink first.”
“I can arrange for drink service to be provided to your suite.”
So my offer’s another attempt at getting her out of the lounge. Old protective instincts never die; I don’t like the idea of Falynn drinking alone in a lounge, even if it’s a lounge inmycasino. Too many unknown men are wandering around with potentially nefarious intentions. I’d feel better if she were in her suite with Tasha.
But I have to accept it’s not up to me. If Falynn wants to sit in the lounge, it’s not for me to dictate otherwise.
I expect her to turn down my offer and end our conversation. Maybe even point out how I’ve broken my promise of staying away from her. It’d be within her right to do so. Ihavegone back on my word.
“You can have a drink with me,” she says, then she shrugs. “Like old times?”
I’m speechless for a good second. Her offer must be a trap, some sort of test, but there’s a softness about how she’s staring at me that says otherwise. She’s being serious; she wants me to join her.
I order my men to take post nearby as I claim the seat across from hers. My pulse surges like earlier when we were alone in the Venetian’s hotel room. Just another reminder how much I fucking love this woman.
“You make me nervous,” she confesses, a small smile easing onto her lips. “It’s weird, because when I saw you earlier, it was like I was reminded how much things had changed. It almost feels like a past life.”
“You think so? It’s only been seven months.”
Seven months too damn long without you.
She nods. “Sometimes I forget we’re still technically married.”
“Is that a good thing?”
Fuck. Say no. Honey, say no.
“I’m not sure.” Her smile fades in exchange for a thoughtful frown. She sips from her drink as she thinks on it some more. “I guess we can’t stay married but separated forever. We’re going to have to make it official eventually.”
My next breath is a ragged inhale. Composure be damned. My expression shifts even though I’d rather it not. I’m sure she notices the scowl that passes over my features as I ask in a clipped tone, “Is that what you want?”
“Isn’t that what we’re supposed to do?”
“That’s not what I asked, Falynn. I asked whatyouwant. We have never done things how we’re supposed to do things.”
“I’m… I’m not sure what I want. I’ve been happy.”
FUCK!
My heart snaps in half. I can’t stand this shit a second longer. I clench my jaw and breathe another ragged breath to get myself through the rejection. She has no clue how much I’ve missed her, how badly I want another chance.
But if it’s truly not what she wants, then I have to accept it. I can’t force her into anything again. I won’t let myself.
“You must be too,” she says, a strange gleam in her gaze. “You look… you look really good, Gio. You seem like you’re…in a good place.”
“I’ve been managing, as always.”
“Then maybe it’s for the best.”
“Excuse me, Falynn. I have some business I need to tend to.” I give her a polite nod as I depart the lounge with my men in tow. I only ask Marino to remain behind and ensure she makes it up to her room.
Though I don’t check, I’m sure she watches me in confusion as I walk away. She might not understand, but the torture’s too much. While she sits beautiful and glowing, I’m suffering on the inside. I’m left with the crushing knowledge my wife is happier without me.
I can’t sleep. I pace the length of the penthouse, playing both the part of the brokenhearted fool and the rude asshole. She had barely even finished her sentence before I dipped out on her. As if I could stand to make an even worse impression with her. I was supposed to show her how much I’ve grown. I can be the man she first fell in love with!
Instead, I let my stupid hurt feelings control me. So what if she doesn’t want to be with me anymore? I’ve done nothing but regret the ways I fucked up during our marriage. Why should I expect her to give me another chance?
“Stupid,” I growl, my skin hot with irritation. “She was trying to have a civil conversation. The first in months, and you ran off like an asshole.”
