Page 19 of Promised

“It’s fine. Let’s go.” I grasped Ariella by the arm, but she only slumped further into the chair.

I’d never seen her like this. The girl I knew had never had a drink. But I guess I didn’t know her at all, not then and not now.

“Get up,” I growled. My skin felt like it was burning as I touched hers.

She was so soft and delicate. It took all my control not to bruise her. Hurt her for what she’d done. For how she still made my body react.

“Adam?” Her eyes opened slowly. A smile crossed her face as she saw me. Her expression was glazed. “You’re here.”

My teeth ground together. I didn’t want to be this close to her. I didn’t want to hear her sweet voice. Or feel her silky skin.

But worse, there was a part, buried deep down, that did want it. The lovesick kid who’d fallen for her.

“And you’re drunk.” I snapped as I yanked her from the stool.

She stumbled on her heels, grasping Zara’s shoulder for support. But her eyes never left me, almost as if she believed I’d disappear if she closed them.

“I-I just didn’t want to feel.” Her voice cracked as she collapsed.

Against my better judgment, I caught her. Cradling her in my arms, I nodded at Zara to run ahead and open the door.

She smelt like cheap tequila on the surface, but underneath…fuck, I could smell her familiar jasmine scent. It didn’t bring the comfort it once had. Now, it only brought rage.

“It hurts.” She mumbled as she buried her face in my chest. “The memories hurt.”

My body clenched as she clung to me. I stomped across the floor, ignoring the eyes on us. I needed to get as far away from her as possible. Because the longer I held her. Smelt her. Felt her the more I forgot why I shouldn’t like it.

Memories were an impossible pain. Always shifting and changing. Coming to the surface when you least expect it. Triggered by a scent or a dream.

But having her here in my arms was worse than any memory. It sent me straight back in time. Back to the man who still believed things would work out. The one who would do anything for the people he loved.

But that guy was dead. I’d shut my heart down. All I had now was the kill.

Her head lulled to the side, her honey-colored eyes connecting with mine. I felt it in my cold, dead heart.

“And the worst part is I still love you.” She whispered as she stared at me. Tears rolled down her cheeks. “After everything, all I think about is you.”

11

Adam

My heart beat against my ribs. My skin felt clammy and tight as I lifted Ariella from the car. I had no idea what I was doing anymore. I wasn’t in control as I carried her up the steps to Matteo’s house.

Andre gave me a curious look as he opened the door. But he didn’t question me. Maybe they brought strange women home often.

Emma came down the hall as she heard us enter. She paused with a piece of popcorn to her mouth as she saw me. Her eyes widened as she looked at Ariella.

“Um… Adam.” She approached slowly like she was afraid. “Who’s this?”

“Don’t worry about it.” I was careful not to get too close as I walked past. I liked her fine, but whenever I saw her growing baby bump, something inside me died.

“Don’t worry?” Her brows snapped together. “You’re bringing an unconscious girl into my house!”

My lips twitched as she yelled at me. She was tough for someone who hadn’t grown up in this life. “She’s not unconscious. She’s passed out.”

“Not really the response I was looking for.” She crossed her arms over her chest, almost dropping the bag of popcorn. A moment later, Matteo’s office door opened. No doubt drawn to the sound of Emma’s shout. He immediately moved to his wife’s side, dropping a hand to her low back.

“Merda, is that Ariella?” His gaze flicked to her. The undamaged side of his mouth turned down. “What the hell is she doing back? And why is she with you?”

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