Page 18 of The Rancher's Vengeful Heart

Lucius Young and his two-year period of celibacy.

Valentines in Foxtown...withhim.

And just a few minutes ago, the kiss that turned her entire world upside-down.

Tassy covered her face in embarrassment even though she was all alone.

How the heck did I get into this?

Lucius had excused himself earlier to take a call, and thank goodness for that since she really needed this time alone to gather her thoughts.

Her dazed gaze took in the quiet luxury of her surroundings. Their "cabin" walls afforded complete privacy from the other passengers in first class. The toiletry kit alone cost hundreds of dollars, and her selection for onboard entertainment included access to paid subscription services and high-speed Internet.

This was insane,Tassy couldn't help thinking.

It was insane that she found herself here, and even more insane was the reason behind it.

This was insane,Tassy thought for the nth time.

And since she would for sure lose her mind if she allowed herself to dwell on what was already over and done with...

I think I'll just work.

There was nothing like good old research to take her mind off things, andoh, right.It had been a while since she checked her phone for messages or emails. Maybe there was something—-oh no.

Her heart dropped as soon as she saw the preview of Stella's unread text.

I thought you'd appreciate a heads-up. Xylan just went Instagram official...

Tassy forced herself to tap her screen to read the rest of her friend's message.

...with Fiona Ferrer. I'm so sorry, Tassy. Call or message me if you need to talk.

Tassy dropped her phone back into her purse as Stella's text forced her to relive yesterday's breakup.

No wonder he found it so easy to dump her in public,she thought numbly.

Xylan hadn't just cleaned out his wardrobe to make way for something new. He had done the same thing with his personal life, and that was why he was now going out with Fontana...who was the daughter of their company's CEO.

Lucius joined Tassina in their cabin and the look on her face told him something was up.

"I think we made a mistake," Tassy said as soon as Lucius sat next to her.

"Whatever it is," Lucius murmured, "I'm sure it's not that bad."

"Wait until you hear what I have to say first," Tassy said darkly. And because she didn't want to give herself a chance to change her mind, she took a deep breath...before throwing everything out in the open. "I'm the type of girl who's easily jealous, demanding, and...andsuperclingy!"

"I appreciate the heads-up," Lucius drawled, "but I'm not buying any of it."

Tassy, who had been bracing herself for the possibility that Lucius would walk out on her, ended up stammering in shock. "W-Why not?"

"You've had more than enough time - and chances - to be any of those things with me, Tassina."

Tassy found herself strugglingnotto let herself get distracted. There was just something about the way Lucius said her name that reached her ears like a possessive caress.

"But you were none of those. Were you?"

"That's, um..." Lucius wasn't reacting the way he was supposed to, and Tassy certainly didn't expect to be asked for evidence about all the traits that made her the opposite of an ideal girlfriend. "That's because I didn't want to rock the boat. We were just getting to know each other earlier—-"

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