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I immediately recall the knock at the door, a few minutes before Olive’s barging in. How much did she hear? Clearly, everything she needed to, to conclude I’m undoubtedly who everyone thinks I am— a good-for-nothing disappointment. Well, fuck everyone. I made the hard choice for both of us, at least that’s what it seemed like at the time.
I blow out a thick cloud through the center of my mouth, right in Olive's direction, and she coughs drastically, like I’ve really blocked her airways.
“Adrik, knock it off.” Barth snaps, and I cock up my brows at his audacity.
“Excuse me?”
“I said, knock it off.” He enunciates and I lick my bottom lip. Fuck, nicotine is the only thing keeping me from flying off the hinge right now.
“I need to talk to Espie.” I press, eyes back to Olive.
“No.”
“Then, I’ll just go find her.” I blow out another puff, and this one hurts my busted lip. There’s blood on the cigarette, and I whip my head back to Olive, who smirks like she’s proud of her work.
“She hates you, Adrik. You ruined her life, and you have the fucking delusional confidence to go after her now? People like you never change. Even when someone as good as Espie comes along. It’s sad. I feel sad for you.”
“A nice sentiment, but I don’t need your pity. And I certainly don’t need you pitying me so you can feel better about yourself.”
“You don’t know me at all.” She shakes her head spitefully with an unbothered grin, and she’s right. But I wish I did, so I could know where to punch that it’d hurt.
This is bullshit. All of it. It’s better I end it all now. Put everyone out of their misery.
I pull out my phone and call my father, put in on speaker, so Olive knows I’m letting them both go.
“Adrik?”Otetsanswers.
“I have some unfortunate news to report.” Olive stiffens her nose, trying to break free from Barth again, who holds her back with concerned eyes at me. I don’t need anyone to worry about this anymore. I broke us out of a shit deal, and now Espie can be with someone who doesn’t fuck her up so badly. For the first time, I’m actually giving her what she wants, what she deserves, with no strings attached.
“Out with it. I don’t have time for dramatic anticipation.”
“Esperanza is not a virgin.”
“Are you fucking kidding me? She isn’t? How did you find out?”
“I have sources… regardless, it’s definite.” There’s a long pause, and I figure he’s cursing under his breath or taking a shot of that Vodka bottle on his desk that he hasn’t cracked open since the day Kias died.
“The deal is off, then. I won’t do anything more to cause higher tensions within this family. I’ll alert Vincenzo that the deal is off, and I need you on the first plane back tonight. Is that clear?”
“Well, I had some ideas about—“
He cuts me off with a volume that cracks the audio on my phone. “Is that,” His voice evens out to a forced calm. “Clear?”
I lick my bottom lip angrily as Olive takes a breath to speak.
“Yes, Sir.” I hang up immediately before she can say anything, and Barth lets her go.
“You’re free.” I wave her out the door with a flick of my wrist, but she just stares at me, dumbfounded, distraught, eyes glassy with willful tears.
“You’re an idiot.” She barely says above a whisper before turning around to head out the door. Barth tries to grab her, speaking lowly, but she snaps away from him.
“Don’t fucking touch me.” She shrills. “Ever. Again.” Her stomps and eventual slamming of her door make me wince as I head to the bathroom to pack, taking another long drag of my cigarette.
“Are you serious?” Barth follows me.
“What?” I spit, not looking at him, as I drag my luggage out and begin throwing shit in it haphazardly.
“You’re really going to just let them go?”
