Page 81 of Igniting Sparks
I sink onto the bed, my headin my hands.
Poor Mina.
I’m not sure how much damage this reveal has caused, but hopefully my departure will ensure Mina stays in the running for the studio—where she belongs.
Where that leaves the two of us, I’ve no idea.
I toss my belongings into the suitcase, not caring what gets destroyed in the process.
After all, the most important thing is already dead in the water. Bitsy made sure of that.
But I’d do it all again—just to see Mina smile and know I played some small part in it.
Hopefully, her aunt takes pity on her—what with her sorry, cheating excuse of a fiancé—and gives her the keys to the kingdom.
But I doubt it.
Bitsy enjoys head games far too much for love to enter the equation.
And now that Leo’s hanging around like a goddamn prize pony, you can bet Bitsy will trot him out as the shiny alternative. He checks all her boxes—money, status, zero tattoos. Everything I’m not.
And maybe… maybe Mina will take the bait. Not because she wants him, but because she wants the studio.
I can’t blame her for that. Not really.
After all, she’s the only reason I’m here right now.
At least, until my heart crossed a line last night.
Now, I’m fucked.
The keypad beeps, and I glance up as Mina enters the room.
She walks to the bed, her steps tentative, her gaze never faltering from my face.
“Just give me five minutes and I’ll be out of here. I’m so sorry.”
Mina grasps my hands. “What are you sorry for?”
I run a hand over my brow, releasing a noisy sigh. “For all of it. That she hates me, doesn’t approve of me with you, is making you play this ridiculous game when she knows damn well that you’re the best choice.”
Mina cups my cheeks, forcing me to meet her soft azure gaze. “I’ll ask again. What are you sorry for? Braden, you’ve been wonderful. Far better than I deserve.”
“That is not true. You deserve it all.”
I flop back on the bed, a small smile creeping onto my face when she curls up against me. “Better not let Bitsy catch you fraternizing with the enemy.”
“You’re never my enemy. You’re my hero. You took the fall to protect me.”
“Hardly a hero, Mina.”
“Will you stop arguing? You’re my hero and that’s final.”
Seriously, she is this nice. This caring. This… soft. How can anyone not love Mina?
“Fine. I’ll let you sing my praises.”
Mina giggles, burying her face against my chest. “How much time do you have?”
