Page 106 of The Betrayal

They both just stare, waiting for my words.

“Me and Keaton need some time out...” I pause for a moment, and I see them both look at my empty left finger.

“Has he hurt you?” Killian’s voice is tight, vice like. A slither of rage flashes in his eyes.

Yes.

“No, no, nothing like that,” I shake my head from side to side softly, eyes cast down as my face falls forward, so my focus is on the ground.

“Then what happened?”

I can feel both of their eyes burning into me, but I don't want to look up.

“We just need some time apart. That's all... I was wondering if I could maybe rent the penthouse for a couple of weeks?”

A couple of weeks will be all I can afford.

“Of course you can, and we don't want the money Arizona. You're family.” Killian says softly, “but why don't you go home? I'm sure your dad would love to have you back.”

And I snort a laugh, finally allowing my eyes to look at them both.

“Killian,” Reese sighs, placing her hand on his chest, “not your place,” she gives him a small smile.

“I'm just not ready yet... he has no idea about...” my hands round my small bump.

Killian rubs his lips. “I want to tell him; things have just been a little ...”

“I get it,” he holds his hand up to stop me from speaking, “no need to explain.” And his words are not harsh, far from it. I watch as he breaks away from Reese and steps over to a small cabinet on the wall, opening the door and unhooking a bunch of keys. He walks towards me, handing me the keys and lingering for just a moment. “There is no rush, you take as long as you need, and I promise to not tell Keaton where you are... unless you want me to?”

I shake my head from side to side.

“I think it's best we both just give each other some space,” and Killian nods.

“Okay, come, I’ll drive you over.”

“Oh, please no, honestly, it's fine. I have already taken up a lot of your evening, I don't want to take up any more of it. I'll get a taxi,” I half laugh, and he smirks.

“It wasn't a question,” he raises a brow and I lower my head, dropping it forward. He walks past me, cocky smile on his face and I look up at Reese who beams at me.

“You'll never win against Killian Hayes, trust me.”

“No shit,” I laugh before pulling her in for a cuddle as we say our goodbyes.

“I'll come see you tomorrow, that work with you?”

“Yeah.”

“Perfect, I’ll see you tomorrow,” she gives me one last hug and follows me down the hallway. My brows pinch when I notice my suitcase and bags have already been taken. “He won't let you lift a finger,” she smiles, fingers curled round the front door as I step outside and into the cold.

“Thanks for everything.”

“You never have to thank us,” and my heart warms. I was worried when I fell out with my dad that I would have no family left. Yet, I have all the family I need right here.

Killian helps me into the penthouse and also explains that Reese's parents, Mateo and Liz lived a couple of floors down in apartment 108 so if I had any problems I could always knock. I thanked him and after he showed me how to work certain appliances and the hot water and heating, he was out the door. Closing it behind him, it took me a moment or two for everything to sink in. This wasn't what I wanted, but it was needed. I want to be with Keaton, I love him with all I have but I needed to do it for both of us to even stand a chance.

Sure, the issue with Lucy wasn't that big, but it was big enough to cause a distraction to be able to walk out the door without him following me. He knew he fucked up; he is a stubborn headed man, I give it a couple of days and my phone will be blowing up with missed calls and messages. I felt like everything was getting a little too real. I was pregnant with twins. I married my dad's best friend. Everything was fucked up. I missed him as soon as I walked out the door, it took everything in me to keep walking until his home was so far out of sight I couldn't run back and into the safety of his arms. I was adamant we would find our way back to each other, but until then. I was on my own.

Just like I was all of those months ago.

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