Page 33 of Savage Vicious Heir: Part Two

Nothing good can come from confessing the depth of my feelings towards him.

Not now.

“I never wanted to hurt you.”

“But you did.” A sad smile tugs at my lips as tears burn the backs of my eyes. “There.” I tie off the bandage and lower his hand. “All better.”

“Thanks.”

A beat passes.

And another as neither of us speak.

Blood roars in my ears, the silence between us deafening.

Elliot reaches for me, tucking my hair behind my ear. “You need to come back to school.”

“I will. I mean, I am. Tomorrow.”

I’d already decided that before he showed up.

“Good. That’s… good.” He swallows hard, his thumb brushing my cheek.

It’s such a small, innocent touch. But it still makes my breath catch and my heart race.

“We’re not okay, Elliot. I need you to know that.” Something flashes in his eyes, but I ignore it. “There are only a few weeks left of school. I’m sure we can manage to stay out of each other’s way.”

“Is that what you really want?” He studies me, his expression so intense it makes it hard to breathe.

“Yes.” No.

Elliot drops his hand and stands. I back up, giving him space all while a sinking sensation spreads through me.

“Okay then. I’ll do my best to stay out of your way.”

“Good.”

My stomach churns at how awkward things have become.

Somewhere along the way, Elliot had become my safe haven. My sanctuary. The one place I didn’t have to hide.

But he ruined it.

He did that.

And now, I can’t trust him anymore.

This is what I want.

I want him to leave me alone. I want him to back off and give me space to get over him.

So why does the idea of him walking out of my house—out of my life—hurt so much?

Elliot doesn’t leave though.

He stands there, staring at me.

“Elliot, what?—”

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