Page 125 of Never Quiet

“It’s given to you, Amanda.”

“B-because you didn’t know the truth, Hayden.” She put her hand over his heart. “Now you do.”

“Amanda…”

“I told you once that what we have didn’t have to be forever, it just had to be enough, and we’d know when that time came. It’s here, Hayden. You’re stronger now than you’ve ever been. We lanced the poison and now…there’s somewhere else you need to be. You know that. In your heart, I know you do.”

He shook his head, tears falling faster. “No…”

Cupping the back of his head, she rested her forehead against his. “I’ll be safe and my heart will heal.” Trying to hold back her sobs, she told him, “I love you, Hayden. You know I do. Loving you means wanting you to have everything you deserve.” She brushed her lips over his and whispered, “Thank you for loving me, for every second you gave me.”

Then she moved around him and walked rapidly for the front door with Roark and Ash covering her.

Hayden yelled, “Amanda!”

There was the sound of a scuffle and then fighting behind them. She knew Noel and Elijah were giving her a head start.

Amanda took it as her heart shattered.

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