Page 52 of Broken Hearts

“No, you wouldn’t. The coach and this one”—I point to Liam, who’s glaring at us from across the aisle—“would have your ass before the glass touched your lips.”

“I could be making out with her.”

I shrug. “You are sharing a room for two nights in Vegas. You’ll make up for it, and I offered to switch seats with her.”

“You know she would have refused.”

I just shrug in response, a silent acknowledgment of the situation. It is what it is.

“What twisted plan is in that head of yours?” he mutters, his tone laced with skepticism and a hint of annoyance. “If this is one of your games, Cole, I swear—”

Waving him off, my gaze is fixed on the curtain separating us from economy. “It’s not about games, Ethan. It never was. It’s about her.” I face him squarely. “You love her, don’t you? Poppy.”

His eyes narrow, a hint of defensiveness in his tone. “Of course I do.”

Leaning in, my voice drops to a serious tone. “I joke around a lot, but Evangeline… she’s not just a girl I’m into. She’s not just a woman I crave. She’s everything.” I pause, gathering my thoughts. “I’ve hurt her, mostly without meaning to, but that doesn’t change the fact that I did. And hurting the one person you want to be happy and safe… it’s unbearable.”

Ethan shifts uncomfortably, but I continue. “I may not be the kind to talk about fate or destiny, but I’m convinced she was put on this earth for me. It’s like she was meant to be in my life. She sees through the act, the front I put up for everyone else, and somehow, she loves what’s underneath. It’s not about wanting her, Ethan. It’s deeper than that. She’s gotten into my head, into my heart, and now, I can’t imagine my world without her. It’s more than a crush or an obsession; she’s my life.”

Ethan’s expression softens, a hint of understanding dawning in his eyes. “So what’s your plan?”

“Right now, she’s pushing me away, not because her feelings have faded, but because they’re too strong and she’s terrified. It’s twisted, I know, but I’m on a mission to win back what I lost. I can’t promise I won’t do something drastic,” I confess. “I’m getting desperate. I just need a little more from her, and if it means crossing some lines, I’ll do it. Because I know I’m the right man for her. I know she’s made for me, and only me. And if she asked me to paint the world red for her, I’d bleed out to do it.”

Ethan nods, his Adam’s apple bobbing with emotion. “What do you need, brother?”

“Her,” I say simply. “I just need her.”

The flight is slowly eating away at my patience. My anticipation is a live wire inside me, sparking every time I think of Eva sitting a few rows behind. I can’t help but repeatedly glance over my shoulder, hoping to catch a glimpse of her.

Liam, sitting across the aisle, watches me with amusement and a bit of concern. “You know, Cole, whatever you’re planning, make sure it doesn’t mess with the game. This exhibition is crucial. We need to be on top of our game.”

I turn to him, a smirk playing on my lips. “Is that all you think about, man? The game?”

He shrugs, his expression unreadable. “What else is there?”

“What about Nessa?” I prod, knowing full well there’s more to his stoic facade. “She’s here too. Doesn’t that mean something to you?”

Liam stiffens, a flash of something crossing his face before he masks it with indifference. “Why would it?”

Scoffing, I shake my head. “Oh, so we’re playing the ‘pretend we don’t care’ game now?”

He glares at me, his jaw clenched. “Feelings only complicate everything. You, of all people, should know that.”

“Yeah,” I reply, leaning back in my seat, my thoughts drifting back to Eva. “Sometimes, Liam, those complications are worth it. They make life worth living.”

He doesn’t respond, his gaze fixed on the seat in front of him. I know he’s thinking about Nessa, about what could be if he let his guard down. But I also know Liam—he’s not one to easily show what he feels.

As the plane begins its descent, my mind races with strategies and possibilities. When we finally land, the first-class passengers are ushered out first. I stand, casually adjusting my jacket, but my casual demeanor is for show. Every fiber of my being is alert, scanning for her. As I step into the aisle, I try to catch a glimpse of her, hoping for eye contact, any acknowledgment. She’s not looking, deliberately avoiding my gaze. Of course, she won’t make this easy for me.

We deplane and head toward the bus, waiting to take the team to the hotel. Ethan told me that the girls would get an Uber to the Mirage. My brain is already ticking over with plans. Now that I have Ethan somewhat on my side, things should be smoother. The key to everything is Eva agreeing to spend the evening with me.

On the bus, I slide into a seat, my gaze lingering on the airport entrance, half expecting her to change her mind. But she doesn’t, and as we pull away, I see them exiting the terminal. Relief washes over me.

I pull out my phone, wondering if I should text her and try to close the gap she's so set on keeping. But I hesitate, worried that coming on too strong might just push her further away.

“So what’s the plan?” Liam’s voice cuts through my thoughts. He’s sitting across from me, his posture perfect, as always. But beneath that polished exterior, I catch a flicker of something else.

I love the man; he’s a bit like a brother to me, but he’s always so detached and perfect in everything he does. I’m not trying to live up to Liam’s standards. I don’t think anyone can, but I also don’t feel like being judged.

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