Page 99 of Vengeful Vows

So instead of enjoying the season’s festivities, I went to work and lost myself in my to-do list.

Now, trying to ignore my building headache, I glance at my watch.

Thirty minutes until the new year. I can’t wait to leave the heartbreak of this one behind.

But when the clock strikes midnight, partygoers will kiss and hug and celebrate, and I’ll be reminded that, for a minute, I thought I’d found love only to discover it was nothing more than a devastating charade.

The DJ enthusiastically invites everyone onto the dance floor as he begins playing “Twist and Shout” by the Beatles.

Since I’m not feeling very festive, I tell Amelia and Sean that I’m going to step outside for some fresh air.

“Don’t you dare go back to the room,” Amelia warns.

“Wouldn’t think of it.” After all, I know her well enough to know she’d come and get me.

A hotel staffer is moving through the space, placing noisemakers and hats on each table, while another is refilling champagne glasses.

As Amelia leads a helpless Sean to the dance floor, I stand, only to freeze as I once again have that strange sensation I’m being watched.Nico?

I swing around, but everyone I see is engaged with others or playing on their phones. Once again, I’m having a flight of fancy.

Shaking off the feeling, as well as my disappointment, I hug the outside of the ballroom and make my way to the glass doors that lead to a large concrete balcony overlooking the moonlit Gulf of Mexico.

Watching the waves gently roll in, I lean on the balcony, grateful for the respite from the loud merrymaking.

As the song fades, the DJ speaks again. “This one is by special request. Hold on to someone special and let them know you love them.”

The opening strands of “Perfect” fill the air, and I press my hand to my chest.

This is the same song that was playing when Nico invited me to dance for the first time.

Unable to help myself, I turn to face the ballroom.

Nico is standing near the door, a foot propped on the wall behind him. I gasp as my insides melt.

For a moment, he remains there, as if uncertain how I will react, but I am frozen in place, unable to move. I never thought I’d see him again…unless it was in divorce court.

My heart thumps frantically as he walks to me.

“May I have this dance?”

Every survival instinct sounds alarm bells, warning me to say no.

But over the holidays I’ve been alone so much that I’ve had time to question every decision I’ve ever made.

I asked Nico for my freedom. And when he granted it, I realized that not having him in my life was worse than being with him.

“Nothing has changed between us,” I insist, trying to protect myself.

“Maybe,” he agrees.

“Your divorce offer is inadequate.”

He shrugs as if expecting that statement. “Have your lawyer talk to mine.”

The singer’s beautiful, haunting voice is wrapping around me, softening my resolve. “What game are you playing, Nico?”

“This time? None.” He holds out his hand, palm up.

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