Page 58 of The Rancher's Vengeful Heart

God.

A haunted silence gripped the air, and the billionaire knew he wasn't the only one whose mind was suddenly assaulted by shared memories.

God.

Oh God.

How could I have been so blind?

He remembered ordering Jacob to drive off while leaving Tassina behind all alone...at night...and in the middle of nowhere.

I'm sorry, God. Help me. Please.

It was Lucius' first time to pray.

Because it was also his first time to experience a terrifying sense of helplessness.

And his first time to realize that when he had broken Tassy's heart, Lucius had also broken his own.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, God.

Please give me another chance with her.

Chapter Eighteen

TASSY ALREADY KNEWwhat to expect coming to work the next day, but it still didn't make any difference. The pity in everyone's gazes still stung, and so did the horrible way the office noise died down whenever people noticed her presence. This place used to feel like her second home. But no longer.

Please God.

Help me get over this.

Please.

But when she was back in Melody's office, seeing the other woman's strained expression was like an omen.

"I'm so sorry, Tassy. But our CEO asked to see you in his office."

Their CEO, as in...Fontana's father?

Her hand went to her throat in an unconscious gesture of trepidation. "What if I refuse?"

"I don't know. I honestly don't. I'm sorry."

Tassy forced herself to nod. "It's not your fault. I'll go. I'm sure it's nothing...serious." There was no point making Melody troubled as well, and she managed a smile for the other woman before leaving.

Her fingers shook as she pressed the elevator button that would take her to the CEO's office. She knew she could still refuse, but maybe this was better. This could only lead to more heartbreak,but there was also a part of her that wanted it. Needed it, even. Because whatever this was, Tassy was certain it had to do with Fontana and Lucius being together—-which was what she needed the most.

Something to knock some sense into her.

Because she was so, so tired of hurting and crying every night.

She just wanted -needed- something -anything- that would purge Lucius out of her heart, for good.

Mr. Ferrer's secretary, Alberta, was clearly expecting her when the older woman came to her feet as soon as she saw Tassy. The secretary's silver-streaked bob and impeccable pantsuit were as much a fixture of the executive floor as the art collection. "Hello, dear."

The other woman's sympathetic tone caught Tassy off guard, and a smile wobbled over her lips. "H-Hi, Alberta."

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