Page 199 of Ignite

She pins me with a stare that’s filled with sadness. That same emptiness I feel.

“You will find it again.”

I hope it’s with me.

Giving her a smile is the best I can force myself to do when inside I am wrecked. I back away, trying not to look at the flowers now decorating the step.

“Have a good trip.”

She hugs herself and stays firmly in place.

I turn to walk away, but before I head to my car, I look back at her, still standing there, watching me go.

I don’t know what I expect her to do. Tell me not to go? That she’ll hear me out?

I know that’s not happening.

My life has never been a fairy tale. But I really fucking wish it was.

Chapter 73

HALLIE

“Okay. I know we hate Conan right now, but you deserve this vacation from him.” Lily slides down her sunglasses and lays back on her lounger.

Hate is a strong word.

I grab my cocktail and stare at the waves crashing against the shore. The ocean is so clear it looks almost unreal, streaks of turquoise blending into pale gold sand that stretches for miles in either direction. A warm breeze dances over my skin, carrying the scent of salt and hibiscus.

“Yeah. It’s nice.”

“Better than nice. This is fucking beautiful. Shall we go get matching tattoos later? Drinks? Food? All of the above?”

I smile and take a sip from my straw. The cocktail tastes like coconut and lime, cold and sweet on my tongue.

“What tattoo shall we get?”

“We can figure that out when we get there.”

Impulsive. That is the motto of this trip. I guess getting my first tattoo is up on that list.

I let my gaze drift across the terrace. White linen cabanas sway lazily, casting deep shadows over plush loungers piledwith oversized pillows. The resort rises behind us in tiers of whitewashed stone and glass, all clean lines and palm trees lit up by strings of tiny golden lights.

As I lie back down, I unlock my phone, pulling up Conan’s contact number. Should I unblock him to say thank you?

I feel like I should, because this is the trip of a lifetime. We’re getting the five-star treatment every minute of the day.

The penthouse suite feels bigger than my entire house. Floor-to-ceiling windows look out over the sea, and there’s a private plunge pool on the balcony. Everything smells faintly of expensive spa oils and fresh flowers.

I could stay here for weeks.

“Have you spoken to Conan since?” Lily asks.

“Nope.”

“Do you want to?”

I suck in a breath.

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