Chapter 53
FIFTY-THREE
HANNAH
I pay the extra for the Uber that comes in two minutes rather than six, because now that I’ve made the decision to get the hell out of here, I want out now.
And unlike the last time I left Drew, I don’t feel guilty or worry that I’m making the wrong decision. I felt that something was off between us last time, but I just couldn’t put my finger on it. Now I can. And it’s sad and disheartening that someone I thought loved me really just—
Oh, look, here’s my Uber.
I hurry into the backseat, then put my earbuds in when the driver starts to make small talk. I’m not in the mood.
I listen to moody power ballads all the way home, and then laugh at the idea that Drew’s apartment was ever my home.
Abaddon’s castle felt more like home, even though I was only there a few weeks.
I lived a lifetime in those few weeks.
The ache in the pit of my stomach opens back up. God, I miss him.
I draw a deep breath as the city lights twinkle overhead and snow starts to fall from the sky. It doesn’t matter that I miss him. I’m not making any more stupid romantic decisions. I’m obviously not trustworthy in that department.
I’m tired as I get out of the car, thank the driver, and then step carefully through the freshly fallen snow up to the apartment. The doorman greets me, and I nod at him, then make my way to the elevator.
Even tiredness feels different now, in this new, strange body, though. I sink my head back against the wall as the elevator ascends. After living so long one way, even when I went in search of my miracle, I didn’t really believe different was possible. And now…
Now everything’s different… except also not. Because I’m still the same. Inside, it’s still me. A tear falls down my cheek, and angrily, I swipe it away. I’m tired of tears.
The elevator pings, and I pull out my keys.
If I pack quickly, I can be gone before Drew gets back from dinner.
I’ve said as many goodbyes to that man as I ever need to.
What I fucking owe him. I’m still steamed over that comment.
I probably will be for a while. As if my disability meant we were inherently uneven and his simply being with me was doing me such a favor.
He literally just said my worst fear out loud. And I might hate him for that.
Angrily, I push the door open, switch on the light, and stomp toward the guest bedroom where I moved all my stuff. Except on the way there, I frown, noticing a cold draft.
But before I can investigate, the door I just closed behind me swings open.
I turn around in alarm, but then I see it’s Drew.
“What are you doing here?” I ask, surprised.
“What do you mean, what am I doing here? I couldn’t just let you leave and not follow you. How would that look to my colleagues?” He tosses his hands in the air.
I roll my eyes. Of course. How would it look.
“Well, you didn’t need to bother. You could have just told them I broke off the engagement and am leaving you. For good this time.”
Drew sputters. “You’re leaving me? So now that you look pretty, you’re too good for me? I put in time with you.”
I turn and head toward the guest bedroom to start packing, if only so I don’t turn around and slap him. I don’t approve of violence, remember?
But the bastard doesn’t get the message and follows me.
Which is when a gigantic hulking shadow steps out from the corner of the bedroom, between me and Drew.
I shriek in surprise.
“My consort said she did not want you.”
Oh shit.
Abaddon flares his wings and lunges toward Drew, who screams like he’s a soprano in a choir.