“No,” I snap, deliberately turning away from his hand. “But let’s head off, anyway.”
“Okay,” Kit says, following behind me towards the main parking lot. I keep my eyes front and my stride steady, trying desperately to hide the pain growing inside me.
Every horrible thing that has happened to me over the past few years can be traced back to Kit and that wonderful night we shared together.
If he hadn’t abandoned me, maybe none of this would have happened.
My eyes sting, and I clench my fists to push the pain away. When Kit catches up and tries to give me a warm smile, I just glare back, trying as hard as I can to hide my sorrow. He looks away, and I see a dark, haunted look in his eyes.
Good. He feels bad about this on some level. I’ve gone way past needing closure, but I have to admit, it might be good to hear him try to explain what he did to me.
As we approach the truck, I see Kit struggle to find words to say, then completely give up and look at the ground as he opens the door.
I don’t know if I prefer him apologizing or being mute with guilt. But either way, it’s going to be a long ride back to Cyan Lock.
Chapter 4 - Kit
The drive back to Cyan Lock is pure torture.
For so long now, all I’ve wanted is to explain myself to her. Now she’s right in front of me, and I can’t think of a single fucking word to say to her.
I know I don’t deserve a damn thing from her. Even if I tell her exactly what happened, it doesn’t excuse my actions.
But I had no choice!
“So, Lexa, how have you been?” I ask lamely.
Great job, champ! There’s a conversation starter.
“Fine,” she answers flatly.
“What have you been doing for work?”
“Not much.”
I take a deep breath and keep my eyes on the road before I ask my next question.
“Why did you leave town so suddenly, all those years ago?”
She turns away from the window and looks at me, and I take my eyes off the road for a second to look back. Her silvery eyes are glinting in the midday sun, as if diamond chips have appeared in the layers of icy gray.
She’s changed so much…
“There was nothing left for me there,” she answers, turning back to look out the window again. I feel like there is a lot to unpack behind that sentence, but I also know I don’t deserve to hear it.
I made it clear to her I didn’t give a fuck what she did. But I never expected her to leave town.
I look away from the road again and let my eyes linger on her. When I knew her in school, she was slender, almost willowy, and often looked lost in slightly baggy clothes. Her black hair was long and wavy, falling all the way to her waist in a messy tangle. She was soft-spoken and shy, barely noticed by most people.
Now her hair is cut in a short, glossy bob that bounces just above her shoulders, and the pure, jet-black strands are highlighted with violent streaks of purple. She seems a little taller than before, and the tight jeans and faded T-shirt are wrapped tightly around gorgeous curves.
I thought she was hot before, but this new version of Lexa is captivating me even more.
And I think I even like the spicy attitude.
I want to ask her about how much she’s changed, but I can’t figure out how to do it without openly admitting I’m admiring her body. So I keep my mouth shut.
As we travel along Lycan Pass to Cyan Lock, I look over at her as often as I can. She’s always staring out the window, not even paying attention to me, so I end up watching her with intense focus.
