Page 102 of Her Ruin

“It’s a lot ofickI need to erase from my brain.”

I heard his huff of laughter. “In his defense, and I can’t believe I’m defending him, but Zayn doesn’t do that.”

“It’s his club.”

“Yeah? And it’s Gerard’s conference room; you think he’s having sex in them?”

“Ugh, now I need to barf.” But I was smiling. “He doesn’t partake? In the…shenanigans.”

“Jesus, Isla, no one’s said shenanigans since 1943.” Julian tightened his hold on me. “No, he doesn’t. He’s got a lot of faults,” he murmured. “He isn’t a manwhore.”

Tears filled my eyes again, and I swallowed hard. “That’s nice.”

“He treat you okay?” Julian asked gruffly. “I don’t need details!” he added hastily.

I nodded. “Yeah. He was…infuriating.” I gave a watery smile. “Demanding. So…overbearing.”

“He sounds like a catch,” Julian drawled quietly.

“He was also kind, tender, and just…” I blew out a breath. “Exciting.”

He patted my back. “We’ll find you excitement,” he promised. “Safer excitement.”

I didn’t tell him that was boring. I didn’t tell him I liked the excitement I had with Zayn.

I already missed him. It had been a few hours, but my heart was heavy, and I was so sad it was over.

The two of us sat quietly, lost in our own thoughts, until Julian told me he needed to sleep. I got him his blanket and pillow, he made up the sofa, and I said good night and went into my bedroom.

I lay in the dark, staring at the ceiling. Turning onto my side, I caught the scent of Zayn on my pillow, and my eyes welled with tears. Flopping back onto my back, I stared into the darkness. With a glance at the door, I reached for my phone and opened my messages.

Disappointment hit me hard as I saw he hadn’t texted. I read the last conversation. I hadn’t known at that time that this was the last time I would joke with him.

Was it wrong to text him?

Was it weak?

Was it desperate?

Yes. Yes. And yes.

I put the phone down.

I picked it up.

Julian made it look convincing.

I hastily went to my settings, turned off vibrate, and kept my phone on silent. I held the phone clutched in my hand, and a little while later, the sudden light in the dark room stirred me from my light doze.

Good

That was it? After everything tonight? All I got was good.Good?

There wasn’t much to reply to that. With a sigh, I put my phone down and rolled over to try to sleep. Light flared from the phone again, and I turned hastily.

Rye’s methods were shit, but his intention was well meant

He was defending Rye? No mention of all the crap I saw tonight?

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