Chapter 49
CHAPTER FORTY-NINE
Lily
“Do you want to just sit there? So we’re not cramped next to each other this time?” I ask, nodding toward the two empty seats across the jet. I keep my tone light, casual, like I’m not already bracing for impact.
“Fine.” He grunts, not even looking at me.
The word lands harder than it should. I swallow and force myself to keep breathing. I’m not sure why he’s so upset. He’s the one who was locking lips with some trashy hoe, like I was nothing more than a warm distraction that had already served its purpose.
“Cool. I’m just going to sleep. I didn’t get much.”
He nods. Then his bloodshot eyes finally lift to mine, and my chest tightens. He doesn’t look angry. He looks ruined.
I glance down at the black carpet between my feet, suddenly fascinated by its texture.
“Lily,” he whispers.
I plaster on a smile that feels brittle, like it might crack if I hold it too long.
“I can explain everything.”
My pulse spikes. So he knows. He knows I saw him. He knows I’m being a coward by pretending I didn’t.
“Drago.” I straighten my spine, forcing the words out before I lose my nerve.
“I didn’t say anything because you can do whatever you want, with whoever you want.
We were both being silly, thinking this was something else, or at least I was.
I don’t want your explanations. Your excuses.
It doesn’t change the fact that you and I are too complicated. Too different. It’s not worth it.”
He exhales slowly, like the air is being dragged from his lungs against his will. “I’m not worth it, you mean.” He mutters, running his hand over his jaw. His handsome face filled with regret.
The words hit so close to the truth that it nearly undoes me.
My eyes burn, but I refuse to let him see that. Seeing him kiss her hurt. Loving him could destroy me. I can’t survive another thing that breaks me open.
“Do you think we can just get along while I have to live with you? Then once this mess is over, I’ll go back to my life without making a fuss.”
“Yeah. Easy as that.”
Ouch.
“Okay.” I force the corners of my mouth up again. “Let’s leave Monaco in the past?”
I’m hoping, stupidly, that he’ll meet me halfway. That he’ll give me something soft to hold onto.
He doesn’t. What I get instead is raw, unfiltered heartbreak. “I can never say no to you, Lily. So fine. Have it your way.”
The words should make me feel relieved. Instead, they feel like something is tearing straight through me.
I buckle into my seat and turn toward the window. Before we’ve even taken off, he’s got his laptop open, black-framed glasses on, already building walls between us.
And of course—because the universe hates me—he somehow looks even hotter.
No. This is done.
I just need to keep my mouth shut, keep my distance, and survive this blip. Then I can go back to my life before Drago.
The one I wasn’t happy in.
At least I’ll always have Monaco.
I focus on my breathing, just like how he showed me on the way out here, and a tear slips down my cheek.
I’m doing the right thing. I’m protecting myself by pushing him away. Even if it hurts.