Page 56 of Sinful Temptations

But why did it hurt so much?

Roman turned toward me.

“So,” I said.

“So,” he said right back at me.

My gut churned at how awkward we’d become. As usual, I’d taken something good and wonderful and turned it into something painful. Though I didn’t exactly know how.

“Are those my keys?” He reached forward.

“Oh, yep. You’re in room 211.”

“Great. Thanks.” He lowered his gaze to the floor.

“I’m in the room next door if you want me.”Oh, wow. Totally lame, Daisy.

“I’m sure I’ll be fine.” He strolled away, and my heart began to bleed.

In my room, I unpacked a few things and then stood at the window admiring the spectacular view. Down below, a few of the girls and guys from my group were having a snow fight. The girls, although squealing, were giving as much as they were getting.

A huge pang of jealousy whipped through me.

Why couldn’t I have fun like that? What was wrong with me?

Every time I had something good happening in my life it was yanked out from beneath me.

Maybe I should go home to Mother.

Oh, God, just the thought of it had a wave of darkness shrouding me. I sat on the bed and sent a text to Zali.‘

Hey, babe, how are you going?

She didn’t respond, and I checked the time. Damn. It was about ten at night over there—she’s probably asleep.

I flipped open my suitcase and plucked out my toiletries bag. My notebook plonked onto the floor. I picked it up and strolling to the bed, I flicked to all the firsts I’d done last month. I reread the list. When I got to Pierre, I wanted to grab a pen and scrub out his name. He’d ruined it all.

Damn him. Damn him to hell for doing that to me.

Stop it, Daisy.

It wasn’t my fault. I wanted to scream.

I have punished myself enough. He used me. He. Used. ME.

But what Pierre had done solidified why I didn’t believe in love.

Love always had an ulterior motive—sex, power, someone to take out the rubbish.

A throb in my head started at the base of my neck and pounded behind my eyes.

The walls crept in, smothering me. I had to get out of there.

Grabbing my coat, I shoved my room key into my pocket and strode for the door. Without any idea where I was going, I raced through the lobby, only half aware of the rowdy group already at the bar, and out the front door.

The cool air hit me like a forcefield, but it was a welcome relief to the blaze burning my cheeks. I strode up the hill, a woman on a mission. Every step was like stomping on all the shit I grew up with. I needed a lot of steps.

Ten minutes later, I reached the entrance to the cable car ride. I bought a ticket and went to the station. My heart skipped a beat when I saw Roman. It died a second later when I spied Laura with him. She was smiling up at him, glowing.

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