Page 109 of The Rogue

He watches me as I zip up the bag. The little black dress I wore tonight flat on the bed. I’m in the same clothes I arrived in.

I put a hand to his chest. The words I desperately want to say are in my heart but my head knows it’s not fair to him.

“I’ve got to go.” I suck in a breath, walk around him and down the steps. Slipping my shoes back on, I sniffle and reach for the knob.

“If you walk out that door, don’t come back.” His cold tone echoes through the long hall.

My heart literally stops. I turn to face him. His expression icy.

“Jackson doesn’t need that. I don’t need it.”

Dropping my things, I run to him, tears already streaming down my face as I wrap my arms around him. “Don’t say that.Pleasedon’t say that.” I sob into his neck. “I love that little boy, I’d never walk out on him.”

There’s a beat before he loosens his arms around my waist and gently pulls me off him. He nods his head to my bag by the door. “I find that really hard to believe right now.”

I sniffle, determination coursing through my veins as I have the gall to look into his eyes. “Take it back, Indie.”

“Give me a reason.”

“I’myour reason. Take itback.”

He cups my jaw gently, but nothing about his features are soft. “Okay. I take it back. But on one condition.” He steps closer, his expression hard. “Tell me where you’re going. Why now? And don’t lie to me or the deal’s off.”

I don’t even blink. I use my scapegoat.

“It’s Bessie. I think she’s in trouble.”

He narrows his eyes. “Bessie’s in trouble? Not you?”

I shake my head. “No.” It’s a breathy lie, but necessary.

He watches me for a moment. “Can I help?”

No one can help me.

“I’ve got this.” I kiss his lips one more time and race to the front door.

“Tessa.”

I turn. His hands are back in his pockets. Pulling his gaze off my bag, he meets my eyes. “If you’re lying…”

“I know.” My stomach clenches, and nausea strikes. “Deal’s off.”

26

Fists clenched, I pushoff the counter and pace the length of the front hall. My vision is blurred. I can’t think.

I thought when this day would come, I’d see Lilly walking out. I’d feel the same rage and disappointment.

But the woman didn’t even cross my mind.

All I see is Tessa.

The hurt in her eyes when I threatened to end us. The goosebumps breaking out over her arms when she ran to me.

I can read a fucking room. She didn’t want to leave.

She had to.

---