Page 107 of Romancing His Heart
Taking a step back, he shakes his head. “It’s not my story to tell. But, Sloane? I’m telling you, I’ve never seen Loki like this with anyone.”
“And I heard what I heard, Ash. It’s fine. He has plans—shit he has to take care of. I don’t fit in that plan, and honestly, I’m not sure I want to.”
“I’m not sure what the fuck you heard, but I’m telling you, Loki will lose his shit over this.”
I roll my eyes and turn my attention back to my sisters.
“Do you think we could call Lexi and ask her? I want to hit the road first thing in the morning.”
Emory wipes a tear from her eye, and I bite the inside of my cheek. I have to stay strong. I can’t stay here, in Loki’s space, and pretend to be okay. Not anymore, and not around him.
“Yeah, hun. We can call her,” Emory chokes out. “Are you sure this is what you want to do?” She’s asking me but staring at Ashton.
“Yup. It’ll be a new adventure,” I lie with as much fake happiness I can muster.
“This is fucked up, Sloane. I’m sure you’re misreading this entire situation. I don’t know what you heard, but I’ll bet my life that you misinterpreted it. At least talk to him before you leave.”
“Ash, you and I both know Loki. He’s a man bound by honor. He has a job to do, and he does it very well. He doesn’t have room for anything else in his life, and I’d be a fool to think otherwise.”
“Jesus Christ, Sloane. I’m out. But I’m warning you, Loki will find you.”
“It doesn’t matter if he does. I’m not hiding from him, Ash. I just know where his priorities are. I won’t stand in the way of something he has worked his entire life for.”
He leans in for a quick hug but says nothing.
“Sloane?” Tilly asks after we hear the front door slam. “You know I love you, but you’re not exactly a love expert.”
“I have an Amazon author account that begs to differ with you on that.” My sarcasm is cutting deep today.
“No, you’re an expert at fake love. Fairytales. The stories you create. You fucking suck at real-life love,” Eli mutters.
“Tell me what you really think, Eli. Jesus. Harsh much?”
“Oh, Sloane. She’s not wrong, and you know it,” Tilly points out.
“Okay, guys. Let’s calm down,” Emory comes to my rescue. “Sloane, are you sure you’re okay, though? Ash seemed pretty insistent that something was going on between you and Loki.”
“Something was … sex. Amazing, mind-blowing sex. And now it’s over. End of story. Can we call Lexi now?” I move away from the kitchen island and stand in front of the windows.
Please, just get me out of here.
“Sure,” Emory sighs.
Less than an hour later, I tell my sisters I have a headache, and they head home. Sitting on the couch with my knees to my chest, I let the emotions wash over me. This time tomorrow, I’ll be in Vermont. Not really on my own, but far enough away from Loki that I can start over.
I should have protected myself better. Why did I let him into my heart? I know better.
Chapter 35
Loki
Ashton: Loki fucked up. Dex, I don’t know what he did, but you better work your magic on some kind of rockstar plan.
Loki: WTF are you talking about?
Ashton: Sloane’s leaving. What did you do?
Loki: What do you mean she’s leaving? Where the fuck is she going? Why hasn’t she called me?
