I nod and my shoulders shrug under the weight of my sins.
Austin pushes against my chest, a shove that begs for a fight. “And that’s all you have to say for your pathetic lying self?”
“Hit me if you want. Beat the shit out of me. I don’t care.” And I don’t. The pain would feel good. A measly penance for my sins.
Austin meets my gaze and shakes his head at whatever he finds. He steps back but his posture is tense. “How could you do that to her?”
Opal.My heart sinks with how much this costs her, more than anyone. Everything with her was real and true. But how will she know that now? I could explain, if she’d even listen. She won’t choose me over family. She shouldn’t have to.
“I asked you a question, dickhead.”
And fucking Austin is poised to swoop in and reap the benefits of her broken heart.
The thought of her in his arms ignites jealousy in the pit of my stomach.Fuck him. I clench my jaw and brace myself for his rage. “Opal enjoyed everything I did to her.”
Austin slams me against the wall. “You fucking think this is a joke? So help me God, I find out you forced her or hurt her and I will crush you. Make it so you don’t play a precious note ever again. Take away that pretty boy jawline. Do you understand me?”
I heave with all my might and shove him away so I can breathe. I straighten my clothes, a scowl pressing my features much like his. “Down, man. I didn’t hurt her.” At least not physically. I tried to make everything about last night special for her. Perfect or close to it, because that’s what she deserves. Fuck, she deserves more than I could ever give, but I tried. Goddamn, did I try to make our time together worthy of everything she gave in return.
“You’re a real cocksucker, you know that?”
“I’m sorry, okay. I screwed up. She’s gonna be fine without me.” Better off, really.
“You don’t get it. Do you? You can’t take something precious from a woman like that and disregard the consequences.”
I know this, but I can’t go back in time and undo the past. Hell, even if I could, I wouldn’t be able to stop myself from falling for her. I shake my head.Like he’s one to talk.“Don’t pretend you have such high morals when it comes to women. You hook up with a different girl in every city.”
“Whatever.” He scoffs, his mouth twisted in disgust. “If you don’t get it, you never will.”
“Get what? Lying is bad and the truth is worse? If I could go back and make this better, I would.” I shake my head and meet his glare with one of my own. “You think I don’t regret hurting her? I do. I fucking do. But I can’t go back, and even if I could I’d choose her all over again.”
“You can’t go around taking something just because you want it. This isn’t a store. She isn’t a commodity. You don’t use people.” Hurt frames the edges of his glare. “You don’t use her.”
Did I use Opal?My gut churns with the recognition that I took more from her than I was able to give. But no. I won’t be made to feel guilty for what we had. I dare anyone in my place to walk away from the same situation. No man in his right mind would. Especially Austin.
“How about you mind your own business. You have no fucking clue what went down between me and Opal.”
“You’re right. I don’t. But if you didn’t intend to love her, to make that level of commitment.” He shakes his head and practically spits his next words. “I hope I never see your face again.”
“Austin.” Sean steps out into the hallway. “He’s not worth it. Come back inside.”
I turn away from both of them, ready to get the hell out of here.Where I’m going next?I have no fucking clue.
“You still gonna be a problem?” Austin calls at my back. “Any more band secrets you gonna sell?”
I stop, shake my head, and glance over my shoulder. “No, you don’t have to worry about that. I never sold anything to the press.”
“So, you’re gonna be a traitoranda liar now?” he shouts.
And there’s the kicker. Because of my transgressions, no one gives a shit about the truth. I’m unforgivable. There’s no redemption for me. On a deep exhale, I drop my gaze to the floor and push my legs forward, one foot in front of the other. I don’t look back. I can’t. It’s game over and time for me to walk away.
33
Opal
It’s beentwo weeks since my heart shredded to a thousand pieces in an NYC hotel room. I’ve cried. I’ve been angry. And boy have I been sad, but time passes. The world doesn’t stop for a broken dream, and neither does the tour. I could have quit my PA job working for Trent. With my new trust fund allowance, I could pretty much go anywhere. But I don’t want to be alone. I can’t lose the only things I have left.
I’ve pushed through the pain, thrown myself into my work, and spent extra time getting to know my sister. The loss of Leighton, and his betrayal, doesn’t hurt any less, but I refuse to let it define me. If I’ve learned anything since leaving Destin, it’s that I’m capable of more.
