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“I told you. It’s not going to happen, Wren.” What in the hell could I say to her to stop this crazy crusade?
“I appreciate your concern, but I want to help. There’s got to be something I can do.”
“You’re not understanding what I’m trying to tell you.”
“Which is?” she demanded as only she could do. There was so much fire in her eyes that I swear they glowed in the dark.
What I’d heard her say to Justin had sent a sharp blade through me. She wouldn’t stop digging until she peeled away every layer of protection, the thick armor that had allowed me to continue functioning. I couldn’t do this to her for so many reasons that I could barely breathe just thinking about what needed to happen. She was a firefly, an incredible light that I refused to have snuffed out because of my past or the wretched actions of some crazed bastards.
“You’re going back to Texas,” I told her.
“I was but I’m going to stay right here. To hell with my father.”
I fisted my hand, trying to find the courage to send her away.
“You don’t understand, Wren. I’ve enjoyed the hell out of the time we’ve spent together. Don’t get me wrong. You’re a great girl, but I’m not the kind of guy who wants to be in a relationship. That’s something I told you from the start.”
“You’re right. I don’t understand. First you act like you want to cocoon me here to keep me safe. Now, you’re telling me to go back to the cabin?”
This was the hardest thing I’d ever had to do, so much so my heart was thudding in my chest, the feeling suffocating, but if I didn’t end this right now, there was a chance she’d lose her life. And it was something I refused to risk for the woman I’d fallen in love with.
“No, that’s not what I’m saying. I’m telling you that I don’t want you here. Period. You deserve to know the truth, just like you did about the fires and what happened at the cabin.”
“Okay, so…”
Goddamn it. She was going to make me say it.
“It’s over between us, Wren. I’ve made my decision and it’s best for both of us. You were right. I can’t have you getting close to Justin right now. It’s not fair to him. I’m taking you back to your car in the morning and you are going back to Texas.” As the words sank in, she didn’t recoil or make a single sound.
And I’d never felt so much like an asshole in my entire life. Fuck. What had I done?
She backed away, tossing the remainder of her wine in my face. Then she walked to the door, remaining silent as she headed inside, closing it with a soft click.
As I stared at the stars, my chest heaving, I told myself that it was the right thing to do.
But I was lying.
Anger and heartache swelled from deep inside of me, swirling like a fire devil threatening to consume my very soul. I took several deep breaths, my entire body shaking. As soon as the glass cracked in my hand from the pressure, I threw it against the house.
I’d just lost the best thing that had ever happened to me.
CHAPTER13
Wren
An explosion of heartache.
I was stunned, so much so a fog had drifted around my eyes. I stumbled into the house, somehow making it into the kitchen where I struggled to place the empty glass on the counter. As my fingers gripped the edge, I took several deep breaths, trying to decipher why everything had changed in a few short minutes. Was this what Phoenix really wanted, or had I dropped into some kind of crazy dream?
More of a nightmare.
Spending time with both him and Justin had made me realize just how much I cared about the man. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I’d tossed aside all my fears and reservations, longing to spend the rest of my life with him. While a small, rational side of me still existed, the inner voice debating whether or not we could make a go of a relationship, I’d wanted to take the biggest risk of all.
With my heart.
Then he’d crushed it with a few ugly words, tossing me aside as if our passion had meant nothing to him. I could either fall apart or fight for what I thought we’d had, but what good would it do? I wasn’t the kind of girl to beg for anything. Certainly not to force a man to care about me.
Nope.
