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But Alek isn’t intimidated. He came prepared for a fight. “And why would you do that?”
No matter how badly I want to hear him say it, I won’t let those words be his last because that’s what they’ll be if he tells Alek the truth. Saint has forever been my savior, but we both knew it would end this way.
We were on borrowed time.
“Because I—” Saint storms forward, as does Alek, but he’s finally been rewarded with what he’s always wanted.
His freedom.
And I won’t let his loyalty stand in the way of that.
Knowing he’s safe away from this life is, in a way, my freedom as well. I may be trapped here forever, but he isn’t. I want him to live. To be happy. And every so often, if he thinks of me, well, that will make all of this worthwhile.
To love someone, you have to be prepared to set them free, and now, this is me letting Saint go.
Stepping between them, I press a hand over Saint’s chest. I can feel his strong heart thrashing against my palm. He peers down at it, confused. The sight breaks the final piece of me; the piece which was held together for him. “Goodbye, Saint.”
His mouth parts open slowly, his eyes wild. “Will—”
But I cut him off. This is my gift to him. “You got what you always wanted. You’re free.” His freedom has come with a price, but I’d happily sacrifice everything for him because that’s what you do for the people you love.
Saint turns his cheek like I’ve slapped him. “No, I—”
But this isn’t negotiable. Alek is the gamemaster, and he’s changed the rules. We were always his pawns, waiting for the next move.
“You heard her. She doesn’t need you anymore.” Alek is at my back, but I don’t need to see him to know he is smugger than a pig in shit.
I’m set alight by Saint’s glower because it’s game over.
Alek has won.
“Such a shame. You’ll miss the masquerade ball I’m organizing for Willow’s big unveiling.” He is such a patronizing asshole. It takes all my willpower not to turn around and knee him in the balls.
I close my eyes, desperate to keep the tears at bay because I need him to know that I’m okay. No matter what Alek does to me, Saint will always,alwayshave my heart.
When I reopen them, the last sliver of hope floats to the wind, leaving me with an emptiness so great, I don’t know how I will survive this without him. But I must. And I will.
“You can pack up your things. And take whatever you think Zoey will want.”
“You’re not going to say goodbye to her?” I ask him, but my eyes are locked on Saint’s. Is this our goodbye?
He is furious with me, and I am fearful he’s seconds away from exploding. But when Alek presses against my back, threading his fingers through my hair and tugging softly, we know if we don’t play by the rules, Alek will ensure we suffer and suffer greatly.
“No.” He offers no further explanation because a single word speaks volumes.
Saint stands deathly still, and I know he wrestles with what to do. But this is really it this time.
No matter how strong I’m trying to be, a single tear traces a path down my cheek. Saint follows its movement; his expression not just breaking my heart, but he fucking destroys me. I commit him to memory, memorize the man who changed my life forever.
“I’ll ensure you’re paid everything you’re owed.”
“Keep your money,” Saint snarls, his fists curled by his side.
“No. As I said, I’m a man of my word.”
Waves of anger roll off Saint, and they only intensify with every jagged breath he takes. I need to end this. For once, I need to be the strong one.
“Come, ???????. Let’s leave Saint to gather his things.” He isn’t even going to let me say goodbye.
