Page 191 of Ignite

“Lils, I just don’t think I have another option. I don’t know if I can be this close to him.”

“I understand, Hallie. I get it.”

The pasta boils over, and she starts panicking and flapping her hands. At least that gives me a laugh.

“What about Washington?” I call out.

Nowhere I look feels right, because Pennsylvania is my home.

“How about we start with a girls’ trip?” Lily shouts.

Hmm. Now that sounds nice.

“Let’s kinda take baby steps up the impulsive scale first? Rather than flee our homes, let’s take a vacation.”

She has a valid point. I look around the room at the pictures on the wall of me, Bertie, and Dad.

Can I really let this go?

Should I have quit my job?

Fuck. I do need a break.

The doorbell rings, and I spin my head. Nerves rattle through me. I can’t face him. Not yet. But this is my problem to fix, not Lily’s.

I drag myself off the sofa and brush my fingers through my hair. But as I open the door, a rush of disappointment fills me when no one is there.

Except a massive bunch of pink and yellow roses left on the doorstep.

Tears burn in my eyes as I pick them up and pluck out the card. It says two words.

I’m sorry.

Shaking my head, I put them back where I found them and slam the door.

I don’t know what I want from him, and it’s pissing me off.

It’s like I can’t breathe without him. But it hurts too much to be near him.

And the gifts? They’re like adding salt to my wounds.

A reminder every day of what we’ve lost.

Because he is my person. I know that.

And soul mates aren’t supposed to treat you like this. But soul mates don’t hide who they truly are from each other—monster or not.

Chapter 70

CONAN

Drago turns his laptop to face us with a stern look.

“I’ve pinpointed some potential members of the Bowens who may be in this state. Hacking Ben’s phone turned out to be a goldmine of information.”

I nod.

“I don’t really give a fuck about them. I want Arthur,” I grit out.

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