Page 139 of Exodus

“I almost didn’t recognize you.” Though her smile has some genuine warmth, her brown eyes hold some grudge as she weighs the situation.

“It’s been a long time,” she concedes. “You look well.”

My hair is plastered back with sweat, and I know I’m white as a sheet. There’s vomit on my heels. She’s being kind, cordial. The same sweet disposition of the girl I met all those years ago but...not at all a girl anymore. I’m still reeling from the change in her. She carries herself in a majestic way as she makes her way toward us, a far cry from the reluctant teenager I met years ago.

“Hey,” she greets Tobias with a tone of familiarity.

His gaze softens as he addresses her. “Almost done here.”

My hurt lurches in my chest as Alicia moves toward him, placing her hand on his jaw before leaning in...to kiss him. It’s brief, but it’s enough. The sight of it knocking the breath from me like a sledgehammer. She pulls back, and Tobias looks down at her, his eyes glittering with affection.

“Take the car,” he says softly, and she nods.

“See you at home?”

Tobias nods in reply. “Sorry about dinner.”

“You’ll make it up to me,” she whispers, “you always do.”

My insides clang together as I watch their intimate exchange. Apart, they’re stunning. Together, they’re devastating. She grew up in the life, and she seems to have it together in a way I never will. She’s perfect for him. The type to keep her calm despite any circumstance, to keep her emotions in check, a strong silent support. A true queen.

And I’m willing to bet she’s never slept with his best friend or his brother.

I die a thousand times before she turns back to me, not at all intimidated by my presence, and that undoes me. I feel the stab soul deep. It’s like losing him all over again.

“It was good to see you, Cecelia.”

I can only nod, as white-hot jealousy eats me alive before she saunters away. She starts his Jag and makes her way out of the parking lot, and I stare after her for several ragged heartbeats before my eyes drift back to Tobias. My voice fails me for a handful of seconds before I finally speak.

“She’s beautiful.”

He nods, watching me closely.

“Good for you,” I rasp out. “I was supposed to get married in two months, but I broke it off before I came here.”

He slides his hands in his pockets, his expression unintelligible.

“I can see myself home. You should get back to her. I’ll figure it out.”

“Come on,” he says, moving toward me, and I shake my head, refusing him.

He pulls my keys from his pocket, gripping my elbow. I jerk my arm away and he groans out in frustration. “Just get in the fucking car, Cecelia.”

My chest screams for relief, but I know tears won’t ever be enough to alleviate the unbearable ache.

“Were you going to tell me about her?”

“No point.”

“Why? Because you knew it would hurt me? That’s what you do best.”

“This doesn’t have to get any uglier.”

“But you love seeing me in shreds. And you love to be the one to do it. So why hide her? You had to know how much it would hurt me.”

He lowers his gaze.

“Look at me, you bastard!”

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