Page 88 of Only Ever You

Her brows dip, and she glares at me. I turn back toward the window under her heavy gaze, and I stare at nothing but the sky until the office door slams behind me.

What am I doing?

I’m as much in love with Pippa as I was before my mother dropped her bombshell.

There’s no way back to where we were. I’ve fucked up everything.

The worst part of all this is that I’ve known this for the entire month I’ve been away.

I’ve just been too afraid to face it.

Chapter Thirty-One

Deacon

My apartment feels empty.

I’m not sure it’ll ever be brought back to life the way it was when Pippa was here.

Yesterday when I got in, I went straight to the bedroom to crash. Pippa’s scent was still in her pillow, and it tickled my nose when I grabbed it to sleep.

She freshly made the bed before we left, and I regret that to my core.

I’m a goddam mess.

Heading into the kitchen, I come to a halt when I reach the island.

The glint of metal hits me, and I struggle to breathe.

She’s been here.

Her engagement ring, and her house key sit in the centre of the island. Pippa might not have left me a note, but she left me a message.

What the hell did I do?

After pouring myself a scotch, I set it down on the coffee table and take a seat on the couch before loosening my tie.

She might be gone from my life, but everything and everywhere reminds me of her.

It’s my own fault. I let her under my skin when I should have known better than to trust her.

There’s a loud rap at my door.

“Holy shit.” My hand flies to my chest as the silence of my apartment is shattered. “Who is it?” I yell.

“Deacon, it’s Lucas. I need to talk to you.”

I drain my drink and stand, taking in a long, deep breath before huffing it out and walking toward the door. “What do you want?”

“Let me in. I have to talk to you about Pippa.”

I tug the door open. His gaze, so much like his sister’s, hits me and I draw in a sharp breath. “Pippa’s not my concern anymore.”

“I disagree.” He lodges his body in the doorway as I try and close the door again.

“I’m not interested in anything you have to say.” I set my jaw and glare at him.

“Tough shit. I’m not leaving until I’m done.”

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