Page 115 of Our Deceptive Heat

“I didn’t mean it like that. I just wanted to talk to her.”

“Dude. Get a clue. She doesn’t want to speak to you. Leave. Now.”

Tyr holds for a couple more seconds, and then his shoulders drop, and he turns away and walks into the dark.

I stand in the shadows and watch him go.

I swear it breaks my heart.

I force myself to remember what they did, and I turn back to the hotel.

“Thanks, Ezy.”

“You’re welcome, Ryn. Go get some sleep. You look like shit.”

I scoff. “Thanks.”

“Anytime.”

Still, I look over my shoulder, watching as the fantasy walks away. He never did that in my dreams.

The next day, Ifind Digs in the hotel lobby. He spots me, but I duck down the staff-only hallway and escape.

Mako finds me two days after that, sitting down at my table while I’m having my lunch. I almost choke on my chip.

He just stares at me, his dark eyes scanning my face.

I push up from the table, but he reaches out and catches my hand. I stop, looking down at where we’re touching.

“I missed you,” he whispers softly.

I snatch my hand free. “I don’t care.”

“Ryn, you have to listen.”

I whirl and shove him hard. He tumbles back over his chair and stares up at me from the ground. His eyes are wide and shocked.

I want to apologise and check to see if he’s okay, but I force myself to move away.

“You and your pack just need to leave me the hell alone. I gave you your song. My contract has ended. We have no need to associate with each other.”

I’m so damn proud of the way my voice doesn’t waver. Of getting these words out after the hours and hours of rehearsing them.

“I love you-”

“You don’t, though, Mako!” I shout at him, furious. “Because you would never hurt anyone the way you hurt me if you loved them.”

“Just let us explain.”

I shake my head. “We’re done. It’s over. Go home.”

I turn and leave, ignoring his calls. As soon as I’m safe, I lean against the nearest wall and let my trembling legs drop me to the ground.

I pull my legs in, wrap my arms around myself, and cry.

Because everything I said was true, but it was the most painful thing I’ve ever said.

And, tomorrow, I have another date.

---