Page 14 of Consume Me

I spot a hair clip on my nightstand—one I don’t recognize. It looks precious, a platinum piece adorned with violet gems. I reach for it, clutching it to my chest before dropping it on my bed, emotions weighing me down. Whether it’s a present or an apology, I should give it back to him. But then we’d start all over again, and he wouldn’t stay—not for me.

I put it in my jewelry box and close the lid, then I get ready for bed, hoping for sleep to catch me fast with its alluring promise of rest.

Suddenly, I feelhim. My heartbeats pick up, tripping over each other in a wild chase that only he could be responsible for. His spicy, leathery scent envelops my senses, igniting every atom in me. I remain perfectly silent, not wanting to open my eyes. He’s not here, it’s just a figment of my imagination.

“You don’t sleep as peacefully anymore, Silver.”

“Stop calling me that and get out.”

“Force of habit,” he says, but I clearly hear that hint of annoyance.

I slam my palm on the lamp on my nightstand, and the dim light casts him in a soft glow. He’s gorgeous—those green eyes, sharp features. His hair is a bit longer now, and my fingers itch to thread through it—a very dangerous wish.

“If you’re not okay with me here, I’ll leave. I’d do it for you.”

For me, he’d leave. If that isn’t cruel, I don’t know what is.

I scoot up to a sitting position, glaring at him. “Let’s get one thing straight. I got over you. When you left, you ended us.”

“Good.” His tone is cold when I only wanted to feel the warmth of his intense gaze and the safety of his embrace.

“Stop coming into my room. We’re not friends.”

“Yes, we sucked at that part.”

Not we.Isucked. God, no wonder he left when I was all over him.

“I’m sorry I pushed you to leave,” I say, sounding like I feel—desolate.

“Mia, don’t go there.”

“Fine.”

“Aren’t you curious about why I truly left?”

I am. But that would lead to even more heartbreak.

“We both know I am, but I can’t be your friend anymore.”

“Good. I never deserved it.”

“I gave it to you anyway,” I whisper.

His spine goes ramrod straight, and his fists clench at his sides. He turns to leave, but not before cocking his head and looking at me one more time. My breath hitches when he opens his mouth, but he quickly clamps it shut and walks away.

I force myself not to plead with him to tell me what he wants to say.

With a soft click, the door closes.

Alone in my room with the shadows of all we could have been, I think I should have remained in London. I should have never come here. But I had little choice. Now I do and I should leave. This is torture, but only if I let it be.

Mission “Get Over Blake” starts right here, right now.

I refuse to be that clingy girl any longer. Somewhere out there is the person for me.

***

Waking up, I go to the kitchen. Being the first one up means I’m responsible for making breakfast for the group. I don’t mind; I’ll take any distraction from my thoughts. The only difference this morning is my newfound resolution. Now that Blake’s here, I can stop worrying so much about his well-being and take care of my heart.

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