Page 113 of Coldhearted King

I grimace. “To be honest, I haven’t thought past getting to see her again.”

There’s a noise outside, and she looks toward the front door. “Well, I think you’re going to get your chance.”

CHAPTERFORTY-FIVE

DELILAH

Ipark Mom’s battered old car in the driveway and collect the groceries from the back seat before carrying them up the path to the house. Before I can put the key in the lock, the door opens, and I smile at Mom. “I got all the ingredients you wanted, and I picked up some ice cream for dessert. Do you—” I stop when I notice the serious expression on her face. “Is everything okay?”

She reaches to take the bags from my hands. “Cole’s here.”

My heart almost stops. “What?”

“He’s here. But it’s up to you if he stays.”

I throttle the feeling of betrayal that swells in my chest—Mom wouldn’t have let him in if he hadn’t given her a good enough reason. I just don’t have a clue what that could be.

I draw in a long breath, then another one, my heart beating a rapid tattoo in my chest. Mom gives me a reassuring smile, nods toward the small living room, then heads for the kitchen with the groceries.

He’s standing, watching me as I approach, and my breath catches in my throat at the sight of him. I don’t know why he’s here. I don’t know why he isn’t back in New York with Jessica. I’m torn between drinking him in and wanting to walk straight past him into my bedroom.

But my mom didn’t raise a coward, so I stop in front of him and look up. He’s just as gorgeous as I remember. What I don’t remember is the drawn look to his face, and the glimmer of desperation in his gaze.

“Delilah,” he says, and just my name spoken in that deep, velvety voice makes me tremble.

I don’t beat around the bush. “Does Jessica know you’re here?”

If I expect him to flinch or act evasive, I’m disappointed. He holds my gaze steadily. “I don’t care if she does or not. I ended it with her.”

My traitorous heart leaps at that news before I remember that he still traded me in for a woman who’s part of his world. That he stood in front of me and told me he planned to marry someone else, meaning he never felt for me what I felt for him. I stand firm. “Why are you here, Cole? I’m pretty sure I said everything I had to say to you at the awards night.”

His eyes bore into me. “You did. And you had every right to say all of it. I...” For the first time, he looks uncertain, his eyes flicking away as he rubs his hand over his chin. “I fucked up more than I thought it was possible to fuck up. I put my company first. I put myself first. I hurt you in a way I never imagined I could hurt someone because I never believed someone could feel about me the way you did.”

My resolve wavers, but I can’t let down my guard. He’s hurt me once, and there’s nothing to stop him from doing it again when his position, his status, and his need to hold on to his wealth and power require it of him. “Is that an apology?” I ask.

His brow creases a little, his hands coming up as if he wants to grip my arms and pull me toward him. Thankfully, he doesn’t make contact, letting them fall back to his side. “Not enough of one. I’m sorry, Delilah. I’m sorry for all of it—every bit of pain I caused you. But I’m here to make it right. I’m here to win you back.”

“Win me back?” I shake my head. “Cole, there is no winning me back. I may not have said the words, but I was offering you my heart. I stood there in front of you, begging you not to leave me, and you walked away and put a ring on Jessica’s finger. I’m sorry things didn’t work out for you two, but that doesn’t mean you get to come running back to me to pass the time until the next society princess comes along to share your crown.”

Icy fire flashes in his eyes. “That isn’t what this is.”

“Then what is it?”

He takes a step forward, his voice lowering. “The only reason I got engaged to Jessica was for the King Group. The minute I realized what a mistake I was making, I ended it.” He reaches for me again, and for a moment I weaken, letting him cup my jaw. His gaze sears into me. “I never fucking touched her, kitten. You need to know that. I couldn’t bear the thought.”

I hate the surge of relief that hits me at his words. It shouldn’t matter. Itdoesn’tmatter. I step back and his hand drops.

He doesn’t let that deter him, though. “I want another chance to be the man you need, Delilah.”

“No.” Tears fill my eyes and I shake my head. “I already gave you a second chance. I’m sick of having to give everyone a second chance. My father was given all the chances in the world to be in my life. I gave Paul a second chance and look where that got me. I shouldn’t have to give everyone more than one chance to love me.”

“Delilah—”

“I want you to leave.” I ignore the way my voice trembles.

“No, Delilah. Just let me—”

I turn my back on him and walk to the front door, opening it and standing there, waiting for him to leave. For a moment, I think he won’t. That he’ll force me to face him again. To listen to the words that my heart will try too desperately to cling to. Because I want to believe him. I want it so much that the longing threatens to choke me. But I can’t. I can’t believe him.

---