Chapter 41
Lucy
I’m washed away. A valley village devastated by a flood.
I trusted Callum.
Slept with him when I never thought I’d be able to do that with another man again.
He told me his stories. I told him mine. We went on an actual date. He slept in my bed and held me. All night.
And every single moment was a lie.
I let myself fall for a two-faced bastard. And all for what? Did I really think that man, made of nothing but cold, heartless stone, could really care about me?
As soon as Nika helps me into an SUV in the Gallagher garage, I burst into tears. She buckles my seat belt for me as if I’m a child again. While she gets behind the wheel, I yank my knees up to my chest and cry, hard and furious and ugly.
Even after we’re both in the vehicle, she doesn’t start the engine. I’m sure Nika wants to comfort me, but there’s nothing to say. There’s nothing anyone can do that will take this gutting pain away from me.
“Are your things still at Callum’s place?” She’s angry, which gives me a morsel of comfort.
I nod because I still can’t speak through the sobs.
She reverses out of the parking space, and we’re gone, speeding out and away from the Gallagher estate. Forever, with any luck.
I hiccup after we’ve put the damn palace in the rearview mirror, my tears slowly dissipating. “When did you learn to drive?”
Her expression remains pinched with concern. “Darren taught me a few months ago.”
I wipe my arm over my face. “Oh.”
“Lucy.” She inhales sharply. “I’m so sorry about what happened back there.
I don’t know what’s going on or why Callum did what he did, but I promise you that the only assignment we gave him was to protect you.
If I find out that Darren knew about whatever’s been going on behind our backs, I’ll…
” Rage flits across her face. “I don’t know what I’ll do. ”
“Don’t worry about it, Nika.” I swipe at my nose. “I don’t blame you. And neither will Maya. This situation is my fault, and all of you should blame me.”
Nika’s head snaps in my direction. “What are you talking about, Lu? You’ve been focused on a competition all this time while managing everything else going on. Callum took advantage of your vulnerable situation. And that’s not okay.”
“I’m the one who fell in love with him.” The truth of my words crashes over me the instant they pass my lips.
I love Callum…and he’s a liar. “He didn’t seduce me or anything.
In fact, he was cold and mean almost the whole time.
He kept things entirely professional between us. I was the one who…who…”
She reaches across the console to grab my hand. “Stop, Lucy. You’re not at fault, and that’s the end of it.”
I squeeze her hand. Fresh tears clog my throat.
“And, you know, it’s okay.” She smiles warmly.
“To fall in love with someone you shouldn’t.
It’s okay to let yourself open up some. And now, you know the truth about him.
So you can pick yourself up and restart.
Just like I taught you when we were kids.
” Her smile becomes a little mischievous.
“How about we stay up late watching movies tonight, and I’ll make you some hot chocolate? ”
I manage a watery laugh. “Counterclockwise and three marshmallows?”
“You got it.”
I don’t deserve Nika, but I’m so thankful to have her. Especially with Maya away.
We drive through the city until we’re back at Callum’s place. I still have the all-access key that gets us inside.
I’m glad Nika’s with me. Being near her always grounds me, and her presence alone keeps me from falling apart too magnificently. At least for the moment.
I head straight for the guest bedroom and start tossing everything into my suitcase.
We’re almost done when Veronika’s phone starts to buzz. I glance over to see a picture of her and Darren on the screen.
She stills, glaring down at her cell. Anger sizzles in her gray, gold-flecked eyes.
I know she thinks Darren had something to do with what Callum did. I know she’s pissed on my behalf, but I don’t want them to fall out. Not over me.
So I swipe her phone off the bed and hit Accept. Nika’s eyebrows fly up her forehead as I offer the phone. Talk to him, I mouth.
She looks from me to her phone before rolling her eyes and reluctantly grabbing it.
“Yeah, it’s me.” Defeated, Nika leaves the bedroom so she and Darren can talk. I’m grateful for the time alone.
I think I could use a shower. Callum left me feeling sleazy.
I head to the en suite bathroom, climb into the shower, and let the hot torrents of water cleanse me. On a good day, I comb through my hair and luxuriate in some self-care, but not today. Today, tears roll down my face, blending with the stream from the showerhead.
I replay all my moments with Callum, struggling to figure out how he fooled me so easily. I hated him right from the beginning, so how did this happen? At the start, I thought he was an irritating son of a bitch. Turns out my first instincts were absolutely correct. So where did I go wrong?
When did I begin deluding myself into believing he cared?
Once I’ve climbed out of the shower and toweled off, I find Nika waiting for me in the guest room, phone in her hands. Her expression still conveys suspicion and displeasure.
I comb my hair back from my face, eyes puffy and a little sore from all my crying.
“What did Darren say?”
She glances up at me. “He’s waiting for us at a coffee shop down the street.”
“He’s waiting for us? Or he’s waiting for you?”
Nika gives me the same look Maya does whenever I’m a little too cheeky. “He wants to talk about what happened and determine our next steps.” She tugs at a loose strand of hair. “I understand he’s…had a talk with Callum about everything. I thought maybe you might want in on that conversation.”
“Think again.” I shrug. “If I hear any more discussion about bodyguards or security plans, I’m going to rip out my hair. You go. I’ll finish up here, and you can swing by to get me once you two are—”
“Lucy—”
“I’m fine.” My voice is unconvincing, I know, all thick and syrupy from my sobbing in the shower. “I’ll be okay here on my own. I promise. And Ryan’s out front. I know he followed us here. He couldn’t have been more obvious.”
“Are you sure?”
I muster the biggest smile I can manage. “I’m sure, Nika. Thanks. You’re always there when I need saving.”
She crosses the room to hug me tightly, then pulls away to touch my face. “Call me when you’re ready. I’ll be five minutes down the street.”
“Don’t worry.”
She tosses me one last apologetic, knowing glance before disappearing out the door.