“You haven’t seen the news?”
My heart stutters and the pit of my belly fills with dread. I don’t know what it is, but she’s scaring me. “What news? Lexi?”
“I promised I would protect you from all of this. I thought we were being careful, but shit. It must’ve been leaked from the lawyers. I swear to God, I’m going to find out who did this and make them pay.”
“Lexi? What’s happening? I have no clue what you’re talking about.”
“I forwarded you the article. Someone leaked the information. They know. Everyone in the goddamn country knows you’re my sister. I’m so sorry.”
“Oh.” My mouth goes dry and it’s the only response I can manage. I’ve seen how challenging it is to live in the spotlight after these weeks with the band, but my relationship with Lexi is worth it. It’s been exhausting to keep this hidden. I’m proud to be her sister.
But that’s not what nags at the back of my mind. Leighton was acting strange last night. He made love to me with a level of desperation I didn’t expect. Not that it wasn’t good. It was mind blowing, like it always is. But the way he touched me was almost as if he were memorizing my body. He was so passionate, and I assumed he was only showing me how much he loved me.
But now, after this . . .
He wouldn’t do this to me—to us—would he?
“Say something. I’m so sorry. I never meant for you to be thrust into my world. It was selfish really.”
The door swings open with so much force it slams against the wall and there’s Leighton. Alarm and guilt etch in the frown of his brow and I just know. It was him. He’s the only other person who knew.
“Let me call you right back.”
“You’re angry. Hurt.” She has no idea, but it’s not because of her. “I get that. I’m sorry, but I never meant—”
“We’ll work through this.” My gaze trains on Leighton, but the words aren’t meant for him. “Meet in the lobby? Half an hour?”
“Yes. Thank you. Yes. I’ll see you downstairs. I love you.”
“Love you.” The words choke in my throat and I end the call before I cause her any more worry.
Leighton doesn’t move. Hasn’t since the door eased shut behind him with a resounding click. “Opal?”
I trusted him. I told him.
“You leaked the story.”
“I’m sorry.” He lunges forward with several quick steps.
I hold up two hands to stop him from coming any closer. “Don’t.” I can’t think with his touch. I can’t trust myself around him. I can’t believe he did this! Yanking my clothes from the floor and into my duffle bag, the only thing I’m sure of right now is that I have to get out of here. I can’t be here. Not with him.
He stares and I feel the heat of his gaze, but I ignore him. My mind reels with the onslaught of pain, rejection, and anger. Did he even love me? He never said the words, but I understood why he couldn’t. Not with the way he was raised. Not with how he was kept from love. Or was that all an act, too?
“Opal?” He fucking stands there, hands in his back pockets and shoulders tense. He watches as if he’s scared of what I’ll do. He should be. “Where are you going?”
I lift my chin and level my gaze to meet his stare. “I’m going to have breakfast with my sister. Maybe you want to make a call? I’m not sure where we’re going but if you follow me out, I’m sure you can tip off the paparazzi.”
“I wouldn’t—” The agony in his eyes slays me, but I refuse to feel sorry for him. Not after what he’s done. “God, I fucked up. I’m sorry.”
“I don’t need an apology.” I push past him to get to the bathroom and the rest of my stuff.
“Please. Don’t go. Let me explain. I need to explain.”
I turn on him and the pit of my belly fuels with anger. “Why?”
“Because I can’t live without you.” He chokes out the words as if they hurt to say, but his vulnerability doesn’t change the facts.
My jaw locks and I straighten my spine. I glare and stare right through him. I should just leave, but I have to know. “No. Why did you do it?”
