Page 124 of Forsaken Oath

“No.” My voice is low and rough, my throat tight with emotion. “I won’t accept it, Eloise. Because it’s not the truth and we both know it. It’ll never be over. You and me, Peach? We’re written in the stars.”

“We’re not Andromeda and Perseus, Beau. We’re just people,” she whispers, like it’s painful.

I step closer again, refusing to let her pull away from me. From us. I cradle her face in my hands, my thumbs brushingover the delicate skin beneath her eyes. I catch a single tear as it spills over her lashes.

“It’s alright, baby,” I murmur. “I’ll be here when you’re ready to come back to me. Don’t make me wait too long, yeah?”

She slowly drags my hands off her face, squeezing them one time. She doesn’t say anything, just turns on her heel and stalks to her car.

And then she’s gone.

A better man might take her words as gospel, might let her walk away. But I never claimed to be better, not when it comes to her. I know there’s something else going on, and I’m going to figure it out. And I know just where to start.

Slipping my phone from my pocket, I notice new texts from an unknown number.

Unknown Number: She’s going to kill me for texting you, but I fucking love her and I think you do too. Don’t give up on her, Beau.

Unknown Number: It’s Margot if you couldn’t figure that out. And if you couldn’t, then you don’t deserve my sister.

Unknown Number: If she asks, I’m going to deny I said anything.

Unknown Number: Nate came over this morning, told her to end it with you or we’re out. It was the first time I’ve seen her cry since her dad died. And if you don’t punch him, I’m going to slash his tires.

“Jesus Christ,” I mutter, jogging back to my truck. I tuck the cooler and the basket into the cab and roll up everything with one hand, the other typing out a text back.

Me: I’ll take care of it.

Unknown Number: New number, who dis?

Unknown Number: Shit. I’m kidding. But I wasn’t kidding about the slashing of tires.

Me: I’ll let you know if I need it. Thank you.

Unknown Number:salute emojiDon’t make me regret it or I’ll slash your tires too

Chuckling, I get into my truck and call my brother.

He picks up on the first ring. “Let me guess: you need another favor?”

I huff another laugh as I pull out of the park and head toward my house. “How would you like to take out a crew?”

“Sure, I’ve got a free afternoon,” he says, keys tapping in the background.

“Perfect. I’ll be home in twenty. Bring your creativity, yeah?”

54

ELOISE

I wanted to protect him.

Instead, I shattered both of us.

For two days, I sit with the wreckage, choking on the mess I made.

This is what heartbreak feels like.

And I fucking hate it.

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