Page 111 of Heartbreaker

There’s a long pause.

Long enough that the panic begins to edge in again.

Then he says, “I can’t.”

JustI can’t.

Panic is replaced by frustration. “You can but you won’t.”

Another pause, but this one isn’t nearly as long. “You’re right.” He steps out of the opening, begins to close the door, but it’s not shut all the way when he strikes the final blow.

“You fucked up. It’s up to you to fix it.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

Jade

Misery.

That’s the only word that comes to mind in the days following leaving Royal.

I’ve had a broken heart before, but nothing has ever felt quite this…miserable.

I’m not just sad, I literally feel shattered. Like something inside of me will never be the same.

Itrustedhim.

Showed him every part of me and he just stomped all over my soul.

And I’m struggling to understand what changed.

I know it’s not the stories all over social media.

I know it’s not the tape or Amber. He may not love me, but he absolutely doesn’t still have feelings for her.

So why would he have turned on me the way he did?

Briar and Aspen have been wonderfully supportive, and though he hasn't said much, I can see that Dash is beyond annoyed with Royal. That’s just it, though. They’re hisfamily,and I would never ask them to make some kind of choice.

Which is why I’m holed up in a hotel suite in Vegas with Lily. She’s doing a month-long residency here and it feels like the perfect city to get lost in. She reached out when the sex tape hit the media, and after the break-up, I needed someone to talk to. When she suggested joining her here, I jumped at the chance.

“You okay, sugar?” Lily is tall and lanky, with long black hair and a bright smile. She’s been mothering me a bit, which is out of character for her, but I appreciate it.

“No, but I will be.” I’m lounging on a chair by the window overlooking the Strip.

“We have to go soon…you gonna change?”

I look down at my jeans and T-shirt. “Nooo…should I?”

She cocks her head. “I was gonna bring you out on stage.”

“Oh. No, don’t do that. I’m not ready to?—”

“Youareready. And you need to get your feet back under you before the show at the Opry.”

I sigh.

I’d forgotten about the stupid show.

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