Page 68 of The Rebel

Chapter Thirty

Daisy

Hart thinks he knows me but he doesn’t.

Especially the part where I don’t quit. Sure, I’ve told him repeatedly, but he doesn’t believe me. He’s a sceptic. Considering what he showed me at the skate park, I don’t blame him.

As we walk back to the hotel, I don’t argue or plead with him. It’s not the time. His emotions are raw and I can’t talk past the tears clogging my throat, so we stride in silence. He’s walking fast, like he can’t wait to ditch me, and I keep up because I’m too scared that if I release his hand he’ll bolt.

He has revealed so much of himself, expecting me to walk away. But I can’t. I won’t.

I love him.

I don’t give up on the people I love.

He taught me that.

Not my family, not Casper, him. By doing his utmost to push me away, he’s opened my eyes to how determined I can be when I really want something.

He expects me to walk away, so I’ll prove my love by doing the exact opposite. I won’t quit. Not this time.

I won’t give up on Hart like all the other people in his life.

When we reach the hotel, he pauses outside and tries to slip his hand out of mine. I tighten my grip.

Adlers don’t quit, Daisy. I’ve never been so happy to hear Dad’s annoying voice in my head. It gives me the courage to face the next ten minutes; a short snapshot in time but one that will shape my future. Our future, hopefully.

‘I need to show you something in the room and then if you still want to leave, you can leave.’ I sound remarkably calm for someone wanting to blubber because I’m filled with uncertainty and fear.

Hart’s past has shaped him, I get that, like mine has influenced me. I want him in my life. Not because I see him as a challenge not to quit from, but because he makes me feel happier than I’ve ever been. Despite his moods and his recalcitrance, I know deep down he’s the one I want to be with and that’s worth fighting for.

If I wasted my time and energy fighting for Casper and our empty relationship, I’m certainly willing to do whatever it takes to convince Hart we’re meant to be together.

‘Come upstairs for a minute.’ I tug on his hand, more insistently this time.

He stares at me for an eternity, his eyes inscrutable. ‘I can’t—’

‘You owe me that much.’

‘Fuck.’ He wrenches his gaze away and stares over my shoulder, indecision twisting his mouth.

When he doesn’t make a move to leave, I squeeze his hand. ‘It won’t take long.’

It’s too early for relief, not until I see this through until the end, but at least we climb those interminable stairs to our room, where I’ve left my stuff, including my laptop.

When we enter the room I release his hand and wish I could take a quick swig from the minibar for fortitude. He doesn’t sit and I don’t either as I fire up my laptop on the desk in the corner.

‘Whatever you’re doing, Daisy, it won’t work—’

‘Shut up and look at this.’

I swivel the screen towards him and type furiously for a moment, bringing up the relevant information.

Then I let him look and read and absorb.

I hear a muttered, ‘Fuck,’ followed by, ‘When did you do all this?’

‘On Gem Island, after our last meeting.’

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