She should have never told me. I could have lived without knowing. He was supposed to be waiting—waiting as I’ve been waiting for him.
Damn what we said. He ismine.
He was always supposed to be mine.
Images of them knock the breath from my lungs.
“No,” I choke out, shaking my head.
It doesn’t matter what else she’s said. That he’s dangerous, that he’s in the exact position he was trying to escape. In thismoment, I could handle it all. I could accept in an instant that he found a way to survive in a harsh world. It may not have been what we hoped for. I certainly haven’t lived the life he envisioned for me. I could forgive every sin he’s committed without hesitation.
Before, when I allowed my mind to sink so low, I’d tell myself that he deserves to find happiness wherever he can. He deserves it all—a wife, children, and a warm home to sleep in at night. I meant it. But now, as I contemplate that he’s actually done it, that he’s left me behind, I can only scream into the void, letting the wind carry my pain.
Morning light seeps into the vaulted ceilings of the warehouse, where most are still sleeping. Victoria left sometime in the night. I never saw her leave, and I didn’t care to look. She knew I needed time.
Something happened to me on the walk here.
As I compelled my feet to move, step by step, a numbness coursed through my veins. It was so familiar that it felt comforting. I can’t feel this. I wish I could rewind time and tell Victoria that I never wanted to know about Xavier Marcello.
It hurts too much.
This is better.
Victoria must have told Isaac what happened because he’s returned after a week abroad, waiting on the stairs, a cup of coffee in his hands. He extends it to me, features ripe with concern. When I offer him my empty eyes, aware that they hold no more pain, no more anger, no more anything, I’m not surprised his frown deepens.
I sip the drink, nodding while surveying the compound—this cold shell of a place I wish to disappear into.
“Tell me what you need, Cara.”
“I need to continue this.”
He blinks, eventually nodding. “Okay.”
“Now.”
“Now?”
I set down the cup, walking off, not bothering to see if he follows.
My labored gasps resonate through the desolate warehouse.
“Quit stalling.”
Pressed to a wall, concealing myself behind a sharp corner, I can hardly hear Isaac’s cool reproach over my thrumming pulse. My hands are quaking before me, veins bulging through my pale skin from the strain of the fight.
A year in this place has had to have been for something.
All of these goddamn years have to be for something.
My legs protest as I straighten off the wall, storming back into the harsh white light.
A year ago, I would have sought refuge in dark corners. I would’ve begged for help, knowing my fragile bones couldn’t bear the weight of violence. I may not be as strong as my mentor physically, but when his fist comes, I can catch it.
Deflect it.
Anticipate his next move.
Isaac matches my breathlessness, showing a slight sense of pride as I lunge at him, swinging with all my might. He grabs my wrist, twisting it just as I swing once more, targeting his throat. In contrast to Xavier, this man will actually hit me, and itwillhurt.
