“I was! But you didn’t come to visit me atDeltaHouse. Didn’t text or call… After Thanksgiving, I thought you’d at least reach out to me.”
When he’s like this, it’s best to remain silent. So I do.
He puffs out a breath like he’s been holding it for years. “Because he wouldn’tletyou.”
Flatly, with as much stoicism as I can muster, I take a step back and state, “I want to break up. Like…officially.”
A little huffed laugh escapes his lungs, and he stares at me like I’m deranged. “We’re never breaking up, and you know this.”
“No, I don’t.”
“You’re appointed to me, Ash. Stop being ridiculous.”
“No, I’m not.”
His brown eyes dim. “Youwillbe. Your dad already agreed to it. As soon as I’m a senior. It’s as good as done. Maybe I’ll get it arranged to happen before then.”
With one step forward, he wrenches the back of my neck, holding me as if I’ll slip away. It’s a threat, even if he doesn’t realize it yet. His eyes fill with tears. “I know you’re still messed up about the baby. That’s why you push me away. Why you keep going to him… It’s fine—we’ll have more kids. I’llfixit. We can start tonight if you want.”
I swallow back a wave of nausea.
“No. We’re over.”
His grip tightens until his nails dig into my skin, and I lose a breath. “Fancy feet,stop. You’re not hearing me. This isn’t a breakup. Maybe a rough patch. In a year or two, you’ll be my wife.Everyoneknows it. Evenhedoes. Your entire family—hell, the university agrees.”
I shove his chest, but he wraps his arms around me in a tight hug as I squeal. “Let me go!”
“No! I’m never letting you go. You’re my girl!”
He’s left me no choice. I swiftly drive a knee into his balls, and he crumbles to the ground with a simpering groan.
“We’re finished, Talon.” My voice trembles with fury. “I don’t care if I have to torch every thread of my parents’ expectations to prove it—I’ll never be yours.” Even if it takes setting his hair on fire. “Leave.”
He sniffs, his face burrowed low as his body writhes in pain. Once he gathers himself up, complexion slightly green, he manages to say, “This isn’t over. We’renotdone. I’m calling your dad and telling him what happened.”
“Fine! Whatever! Just do it away from here!” I say, pushing him out of my door and locking it.
He bangs on the other side, his muffled yell sending me into a rage. “We arenot over!And tell that prick he better watch his fucking back!”
I feel like opening the door and greeting him with my gun. But I’ll resist.
For now.
The anger doesn’t quell as evening approaches. Talon set me on edge, but all I can hear are Aiden’s words… “Don’t come.” They replay in my head like a taunt.
Don’t come.
The month is over, and I don’t have to listen to a word that man says. Don’t have to listen toanyman.
I grab my most seductive dress from my closet and get ready. Sparkly red with a V-neck sharp enough to cut throats. I carefully construct my red lips to go with it, and severe cat-eye liner. I want to be the nightmare, the scandal guest in stilettos.
Besides…I need to know who’s going to wear that green dress.
The Cardells’ legacy home is a large estate, almost intimidating in its stature. The holiday decorations are over the top. Snow machines. Ice sculptures lining the driveway. Even a skating rink in the backyard.
A valet takes my car key as I’m ushered inside by a tuxedoed security guard, who checks my invitation.
Scents of cinnamon, pine, and peppermint fill the oversized windowed tent that welcomes all the wealthy in Northview. Politicians. University officials. And every Cardell I know.