Page 83 of A Promise For Tomorrow

“You're not the leader anymore, Kil. I am. I don’t need to listen to your commands,” I growl at my brother.Fuck him.He’s been in my shoes, he should know why I am reacting the way I am.

Diego looks like he wants to say something but remains quiet, allowing Madison to do his bidding. That’s the difference between him and me; he’ll bite his tongue where I wouldn’t.That’s your girl, mate. Speak up.

“You didn’t let me finish,Liam.” Madison sneers at me.

I’m pissed. What more can she say to break my fucking heart?

I hold my hands up in mock surrender, the neck of my beerbottle held between my thumb and index finger. “The floor is all yours,princess.”

“I asked him to kiss me. But he didn’t. He knew I would likely regret it since my emotions were all over the place,” she says calmly, looking me dead in the face.

As if her explanation makes it any better. So Diego stopped her from making a mistake. Good on him. The fact that sheaskedhim is what is ripping my bleeding heart right out of my chest. The woman who claimed to love measkedhim to kiss her right after I left that yacht, a broken man.

“So when did you finally kiss him?” I goad.

“Our wedding day.” Diego growls. “I’d say this game is over, yeah?” He looks around at everyone. They nod their head in agreement, tossing their papers into the fire and dispersing.

Madison storms off as I struggle to get to my feet.Fucking bean bag chairs.I punch it for good measure.

It guts me to see her upset. I somehow always manage to find a way to fuck it up with her.

Godfuckingdammit.

When I finally get to my feet, I storm off after her, but Diego stops me, standing in my way. “I know that was hard to hear, but you are your own worst enemy, Liam. Quit inserting yourself into situations you know will bring you further pain. It fucking sucks. She moved on from you. But you have got to stop hurting her. She takes what you say so deeply. Not only that, but you are ruining your best friend’s bachelor week.”

He’s right. He’s always fucking right.Christ.I toss my beer bottle into the fire. This needs to stop.Ineed to stop with the bullshit. I just hope I’ll be able to earn back Madison’s friendship. If that is all I will ever get, that’s what I need to preserve. That woman will always mean the world to me.

“I’d like to talk to her. You’re right. I need to apologize,” I concede.

“Start with Con and Lexi then come find us. If she is willingto talk with you, I’ll give you guys privacy and time to talk. If she’s not—you’re not going to get very far,” he threatens.

Noted.

I nod my head in understanding, trudging my way over to the couple.

“Sorry, brother. That was a lot to take in.” Con squeezes my shoulder.

“It’s my fault. I did it to myself. I’m sorry for causing a scene. I’ve been a shit friend and an even shittier Best Man.”

“It’s fine,” Lexi consoles, touching my arm. “Just please give Maddy some grace. This decision wasn’t easy for her either.”

“I’m hoping to get the chance to apologize to her,” I groan, hanging my head in shame.

“I’ll talk with her,” she offers.

I enterthe living room of the main house in search of Madison. She was with Lexi at the beach a little while ago. Diego went off to check on something. I figured now would be the best time to offer her my apology.

The sliding glass door clicks shut behind me. The vibrating sound of the tattoo pen infiltrates my ears, instantly sending adrenaline coursing through me. Getting inked could be therapeutic right about now.

I am about to ask if I can be next in line when I discover who is in his chair.

Looks like I won’t have to continue my search any longer. Madison is there, lying prone on the leather chair. Her purple hair cascades in waves over one side of her head, dangling to the floor. Danny, my tattoo artist, is bent over her, etching something that looks iridescent onto the back of her neck. The colors are similar to that of spilled oil.

Madison’s eyes are scrunched shut. Her fingers clench theleather headrest. She hasn’t noticed me yet. Rhythmic breaths ease in and out of her as she attempts to soothe herself.

I plop down on the couch beside her and pry her hand off the leather. Gorgeous chestnut eyes stare at me, a mix of sympathy and anger wrestling there. I grip her hand more firmly, afraid she’ll pull away.

She doesn’t.

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