anyone believing me weak. “I’ll be okay. I just…” I suddenly looked up and found him watching me patiently. “You didn’t mean me.”
His lips twitched, but he said nothing.
“But I was the one who walked away,” I argued.
“Were you?”
I scoffed and released his shirt I’d balled in my fist, before climbing out of his lap. The asshole was making it hard to be selfish and think of only my feelings. Didn’t I at least have the right to mourn what could have been?
He chuckled at my attitude and stood from the bed.
“Take a ride with me.”
I blinked, wondering if he’d smacked his head or something. “It’s Valentine’s Day. Shouldn’t you be with Four somewhere celebrating?”
“Later.”
I looked out the window and frowned seeing nothing but darkness staring back at me. It didn’t get much later than that.
Pulling me to my feet, Ever tossed me the hoodie I left at the foot of the bed.
“If it’s another party, I’ll pass.”
One thing the elites of Blackwood Keep knew how to do was have a good time. We’d partied nonstop throughout their winter vacation, and I had a feeling they were attempting to keep me distracted.
A lot of good it did.
The moment I was alone, all bets were off, and I was right back where I started.
I hadn’t heard from Wren. Had no idea if he was even still alive. Fox was still out there, after all. Weakened but not beaten.
“No one told you to take all those shots.”
“Ah, but that’s what made it so much fun.” I followed him outside to the G-Wagon and awkwardly waited as he transferred the dozen yellow roses from the passenger seat to the back seat. “Seriously, don’t you have somewhere to be? You’re dressed for a date, and there’s no way I’m dating you.” In addition to my immense respect for Four, I knew there was no way he’d let me get away with half the shit I pulled with Wren. Hot or not, Four could have that headache.
“Jesus, you really are a pita.”
“Like a loaf of bread?”
“Like a pain in the ass.” He helped me inside the truck before rounding the front and hopping into the driver’s seat.
Ten minutes later, he drove us through a large cul-de-sac. He hadn’t offered much in the way of conversation mostly because he’d been texting furiously every chance he got, and I spent the entire ride trying to figure out his nervous energy. Every so often, he’d strangle the steering wheel, glance at me, and then quickly focus on the road before I could ask questions.
At least he wasn’t stingy with his radio like Jamie.
Banks was just beginning to croon ‘Under the Table’ when Ever turned into a cul-de-sac with tall houses lining each side of the street. Three months ago, I would have been in awe, but after living in a mansion and seeing all the luxury hidden within that sleepy town, I was only mildly impressed.
Until I saw it.
The wide navy blue two-story at the end with white trim and a charcoal roof.
Just beyond the stone archway was the front door, which was painted black with a large glass window cut to resemble a snowflake. I could only imagine all the natural sunlight the huge windows allowed in during the day. It was the perfect setting for capturing beautiful moments.
The front yard, small but immaculate, had a single large tree towering high over the house and a wide paved driveway leading to a garage.
I hoped whoever called this place home shared it with a family. It was the perfect size to offer space without feeling alone. Because the memories, the laughter, and the tears would be hard to miss.
It wasn’t just a dream. It was my dream.
I’d spent too much time trying to find my place in someone else’s.
“Who lives here?”
My door opened before he could answer, but judging by the secretive twinkle in his eyes, he hadn’t planned to anyway. Shivering at the sudden blast of cold air, I turned to confront the culprit and found Vaughn standing there with his hand out.
Waiting.
I hesitated only a moment before accepting his hand. My heart was already beating fast, and I had no idea why. I allowed Vaughn to help me from the truck, and once my feet touched the floor, Tyra appeared out of nowhere, dressed to impress in a light pink dress, and carrying a small wicker basket filled with red rose petals. She smiled at me, and I offered her a trembling one in return.
My gut,