Page 53 of Wild Irish

“Why, because of that guy you’re with? Where is he now?” A small, satisfied grin tugs at his lips, like he knows what he did, or maybe he did it on purpose. “You think someone like that wants more than just sex from you? I saw the asshole driving off a few minutes ago.”

“Because of you. Because you lied and told him we were engaged.”

“Is it really a lie, Delaney? You still love me. I get that you needed some space, to work out whatever shit was going on in your head–”

“Is that really what you think?” I’m yelling now, and people are staring, including Aiden. “I gave you your ring back. Told you I didn’t want to see you again. I meant it.”

“You’re not thinking straight. You don’t know what you want. Come home and–”

“I know what I want.” I breathe in through my nose and out through my mouth, fighting off tears. Because what I want is gone. “It’s not you.”

“Think about what this looks like. You jump on a plane to Ireland without telling anyone, then screw the first guy you meet. What do you think your parents will say when I tell them?”

I want to slap him. Hit him. Punch him. Make him hurt the way I am. And it’s not just his betrayal. It’s that he ruined things with Cillian. For that, I’ll never forgive him.

He takes a step toward me and growls out, “I saw the pictures. The video of you throwing yourself at that guy. They’re all over the internet. When I showed your picture to a few of the locals, they were more than happy to share them with me.”

My mouth opens and closes. He must be talking about the night we were at the Crow’s Head.

“One little click, and I’ll send them to everyone who knows us. Do you really want that?”

“You think threatening me will make me want you? Send them to whoever the hell you want. I really don’t care.”

Matt grabs my arm tight when I start to walk away.

“Delaney?” Aiden is behind me, and I can hear the threat in his voice, a threat directed at Matt.

“I’m all right.”

“Who the hell are you?” Matt glares at Aiden, then turns back to me. “What? Are you fucking him, too?”

Aiden takes a step forward, but I place my hand on his arm, and shake my head.

“You need to leave,” I say, pulling out of Matt’s grip. I straighten my shoulders and harden my gaze on him. I won’t give him the satisfaction of seeing my tears. Because they’re not for him.

“Delaney. I’m sorry.” Matt drags his fingers through his hair and breathes out sharply. “I didn’t come here to fight. I came here to bring you home. We can make things work. We’ve both made mistakes.” His tone is levelled and controlled like he’s talking to a child. I didn’t realize until right now how manipulative he is. “Come home, Delaney. Everyone’s worried about you.”

“I am going home. But not with you.” I turn on my heels, ignoring Matt’s angry demands behind me as I leave the coffee shop.

He doesn’t follow, and I assume that has something to do with Aiden, but I don’t turn around to find out.

Blinking back tears, my mind dull and my chest empty, I walk. I don’t know for how long or how far I go, but I don’t stop until I’m at the ocean’s edge, the waves lapping up over my shoes, and filling my toes with sand.

“Ye all right?” Aiden’s voice carries over the wind as he approaches behind me.

“I lost him.”

Aiden blows out a long breath. I know I don’t have to tell him I mean Cillian. He knows.

“The man’s not thinking straight. He never does when he’s angry. Come back with me. Once ye explain–”

“You and I both know he’ll never forgive me. It doesn’t matter if I did anything wrong or not. Once he has something in his head, there’s no changing his mind.”

“Ye’re right. He’s stubborn.” Aiden nods, placing a hand on my shoulder. “But he cares about ye.”

“Thank you for saying that, but you’re wrong.”

“I’m wrong about a lot of things, but this isn’t one of them.”

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