Page 52 of Never Less

“That’s good, Liliana.” I sit next to her. “I wanted you to have a good time.”

“I just wish we could fast forward through the breakup process.”

“You don’t have to do it alone, though.” My hand finds hers, and I lace our fingers together. “I’ll be with you every step of the way. Tomorrow, packing, moving, getting you settled in—all of it.”

With her head on my shoulder, she relaxes. “That makes it a lot better. Thank you.”

“Of course.”

While I’m not dreading tomorrow as much as Liliana, I’m definitely not looking forward to it. Given my son’s behavior lately, I don’t think things will go over well. I don’t know if it’s possible for something like finding out your girlfriend is leaving you for your father to go well.

We’ll take it one step at a time, though. And if it gets messy, I’ll be there to back Liliana up. From now on, I always will be.

Chapter seventeen

Liliana

In the morning, Marcus and I have a light breakfast and then jump in the pool together. The day is already sunny, hot, and bright, which is the perfect combination for an early morning swim. It’s also serving as a distraction to keep my mind off Nate for a little longer. I’ll have to face him later, but right now, it’s still just me and Marcus.

“I like this color on you,” Marcus tells me as I slip my arms around his neck. He glances down at the bikini I bought yesterday. “Which reminds me of something.”

“What?”

“I don’t remember you looking at nail polish when I took you shopping for Char and John’s party.”

“I packed some.”

“Some? Or just one shade?” He fiddles with the strap of my bikini. “This one.”

“Just burgundy,” I whisper.

“Mmm.” With a pleased smile, he kisses me. “And why’d you do that?”

“Because…” My cheeks heat, but I can’t deny where my head was at. I don’t want to deny it anymore. “Because deep down, I had hopes. Fantasies. That’s how they were supposed to stay, but I packed it anyway because it was a way to live it out without actually doing anything wrong.”

The thought was at a level I was scared to touch. I let it stay mostly subconscious so I wouldn’t be at constant war with my conscience.

“I didn’t think you’d noticed,” I say.

“I notice everything about you,” he murmurs.

There’s no doubt in my mind that he means it. Marcus is so attentive to me. Every detail, every expression, every movement—he picks up on it all. I’ve never felt so treasured in my life before, and that’s a big part of why.

Pushing some of my hair back from my face, Marcus sighs. “I know we want to ignore what’s about to happen, but Nate will be back soon.”

The words are like a pin to a balloon, popping the little bubble that I’ve been trying to preserve. My shoulders slump, and I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to wish reality away.

If I could manage it, I’d never see Nate again. But this situation is too messy, and I want to see the look on his face when he realizes what I’ve done. He’ll never be able to end things on his own terms with me. I’ll make sure of it.

“Liliana.” Marcus strokes my cheek tenderly, a sweet reminder of all the gentle, caring kisses he placed over my body yesterday. “Look at me.”

When I do, some of the tension eases from my muscles at the warmth in his eyes. He smiles at me, and I return it, even though I have a feeling today is going to be hell.

“I know this is scary,” he says, “but I’ve got your back. How do you want to go about this?”

“I don’t want to tell him.”

He nods. “I can be the one to handle that.”

---