Page 67 of Tiger's Voyage
As I walked toward them, I heard Kishan say, “I don’t think she’ll do what you expect.”
“She’s already halfway there. Out of sight, out of mind,” Ren replied.
“I think you underestimate her feelings.”
“It doesn’t matter. I’ve made my decision.”
“You aren’t the only person involved.”
“I know that. But it’s for the best. Surelyyousee that.”
Kishan paused. “It doesn’t matter what I see, what I think, or what I want, for that matter.”
“This is the way it has to be, Kishan. I won’t let this happen again.”
“It wasn’t your fault.”
“Yes, it was.Idid this.Ihave to accept the consequences.”
“It will hurt her.”
“You’ll be there to help.”
“It won’t matter.”
“It will.” Ren put his hand on Kishan’s shoulder. “Over time … it will.”
“You have to tell her. If you’re going to break up with Kelsey, she deserves to hear it from you.”
Break up?
I hurried the last few steps, stormed up to the brothers, and shouted, “What on earth do you two think you’re talking about? I certainly hope I am sleepwalking and that I didnotoverhear this conversation!”
Both of them turned around. Kishan looked guilty, but Ren hardened his expression as if ready for a fight.
I poked Ren in the chest. “Where have you been for the past few days? You have some explaining to do, mister! And you!” I turned to Kishan. “How dare the two of you conspire and make plans about me without my input! You both know better!”
Kishan grimaced. “I’m sorry, Kells. You and Ren need to talk. I’ll find you again later and let you yell at me more then.”
“Fine.”
Kishan exited quickly while Ren leaned back against the railing with a determined expression on his face.
“Well? Are you going to explain yourself, or do I have to zap you?”
“You overheard what I wanted to say. I want us to break up.”
My jaw dropped. “You what?”
“I don’t want us to be together anymore.”
I couldn’t think of anything to say except, “Why?”
“I can’t … it won’t … we shouldn’t … look, I have my reasons, okay?”
“No. Just saying you have reasons isn’t good enough.”
Something flickered in his eyes. Pain. But it disappeared quickly and was replaced by gritty fortitude. “I don’t love you anymore.”
