Page 90 of Breakaway

“I thought the part about our friendship would be your favorite,” I tease her, quickly looking upVikingsand turning on the first episode of the third season.

“The part about our friendship is not even comparable. I loved everything about that article because your personality shines through your words, making it perfect. You should be proud of yourself.”

“I’m trying,” I tell her honestly. “Kai texted me and said the feedback is overwhelming. The reactions from readers online arepositive, and there is a lot of buzz from people who are reading the print issue too.”

“Ugh, I hoped to buy a hard copy when I took Cooper for a walk, but my bladder decided ‘not today’! I had to run home because I had to pee so bad. Being pregnant is so fun,” Angie jokes, making me giggle. “But I’m honored you let me read it before it came out. It means more than you know, Nev.”

“You’re my best friend. How could I publish something so important without letting you read it first? It’s just not realistic.” I sigh. “I haven’t checked anything. Not the website, not social media. I can’t even bring myself to read it…not until I talk to Roman.”

“I wish I could come over to support you.”

“It’s okay. You promised Layla you’d watch Maya while she’s working. Besides, our men will be home soon. Roman texted me on his way to the airport about two hours ago.”

“Yeah, Drake texted me too.” Angie falls quiet, and I hear Maya’s voice say something about one of her toys. “Sorry, Nev, I need to lead a rescue mission. Skye fromPaw Patrolwas stolen by my very pesky dog.”

“Of course,” I say with a little laugh. “Tell Maya Nevaeh says hi.”

“Sure. Text me if you need anything,” Angie says. Then she hangs up, but not before I hear her yell, “Cooper Jones-Benson, get back here now!”

And I burst into giggles, my body shaking and tears forming in my eyes. This is everything.

I’m soimmersed inVikingsthat I don’t even hear the door opening. Only when it slams shut do my eyes fly to the hallway.

It’s not a good sign when someone slams the door, right?

Taking the remote from the couch, I quickly pause the show, and that’s when Roman comes into view. The first thing I notice is his mask. It’s on again. Emotionless and indifferent, he stops in his tracks, his eyes holding mine. Something isn’t right. Even the butterflies in my stomach, usually so happy to see him, are still now.

“How was the flight?” I ask the first thing that comes to mind before my throat closes up. My voice sounds groggy and unnatural.

“Same as always,” Roman says, hiding his hands in his pockets.

The air in the room becomes charged, and I swallow my nerves. The silence hanging between us makes my skin itch. The guy who left this apartment four days ago was full of life and affection. But now, I don’t even recognize him. This blank expression and cold gaze. It’s just a shell of the man I love, and I don’t understand what happened.

Except…that this might be his reaction to my article.

“I’m—”

The buzzing of his phone quiets me. I watch him pull it out of his pocket, check it, and put it back. Not a single emotion passes over his vacant face, and I feel like we’re back to how it was in the very beginning. I have no idea what he’s thinking.

“Great article.” He doesn’t mean it. “You must be proud of yourself.”

“Everyone seems to love it,” I mumble weakly.

His eyebrows hit his hairline as he shoots his gaze to me. With the way his lips twist into a grimace, I’m sure he doesn’t share the sentiment.

“Good for you.” Another clipped answer. Another sharp thorn pierces my heart.

Turning on his heel, Roman stomps to his bedroom, leaving me alone. I sit, unmoving, jaw clenched. Should I let him calm down? Wait for him to cool off so we can talk? Because I’m lost right now. Hearing him say that he doesn’t feel that way about me yet. Maybe that he will never love me. Those possibilities were loud in my head, and I was silently preparing myself. But I didn’t expect this.

I glance around the room, and my gaze falls on the plush toy he bought me. With trembling hands, I reach over and take it into my arms, pressing it hard to my chest.Please, Sulley, I really need the comfort your presence brought me when I was a little girl. The monster world would be so much more welcoming than this apartment right now.

Loneliness spreads over my skin, injecting itself deep into my veins. Every bone in my body is filled with the feeling of rejection.

He doesn’t love me.

The guy who told me countless times that he’s not capable of love doesn’t love me.

What a surprise, Nevaeh, right?

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