Page 76 of Scarred Bratva King

Instead, he presses his lips into a firm line and looks away.

I nod once, fighting the sting in my chest, and open the door. The cold air rushes in, but it doesn’t compare to the emptiness spreading inside me.

I step out, shutting the door behind me without another word.

He doesn’t drive off immediately.

For a long moment, he just sits there, hands clenched, jaw tight.

Then, without looking back, he pulls away from the curb.

The tears don’t come.

Not yet.

I stand there for what feels like hours before I finally move, my limbs numb as I enter my apartment. The silence is suffocating.

I pull out my phone and dial Elena.

She picks up on the second ring. “Veronica?”

I swallow hard. “He sent me away.”

She exhales. “I heard. Don’t worry. It’s only temporary.”

I let out a hollow laugh. “Felt pretty permanent.”

“Yes,” she says firmly. “He’s dealing with Vito Lombardi and a mob war. It’ll take all his focus.”

“I know that.”

“Then you must know he’s doing this to protect you.”

“Give him a message from me, will you?” I say.

“Sure.”

“Tell him to go fuck himself.”

35

MAXIM

Four days later…

Istand in the shadows across from the bookstore, watching her through the large front windows, doubt clawing at me like an animal.

Have I made the right decision?

It’s been days since the meeting with Vito, days since Veronica and I ended things. I’ve spent every one of those days here, watching her instead of fighting the war.

I know Vito promised she wouldn’t be involved if she left but can I trust him? The more I think about it, the more sure I am he’ll come for her like Marco did.

Her movements are hypnotic. The way she tucks a strand of hair behind her ear while checking the shelves, the little smile she gives each customer as they chat over her new arrivals, the way she lingers in the reading nook at the end of the day.

I should be at the mansion, reviewing reports, taking meetings, plotting Vito Lombardi’s downfall for whenever he gets back in the country.

Instead, I’m here, lurking like some lovesick idiot while she lives her life without me.

---