anger. “But right now, I need a little space. I’m going for a walk.” I grabbed my coat and key card and headed for the door.
“Ariel, this can’t be how we handle things in our relationship,” he said, his voice laced with disappointment. “We have to communicate.”
“You just communicated that you wanted to take a step back with the relationship,” I called over my shoulder. “And I choose to step outside and get some air so I don’t say anything that might make you think I’m manic.” I didn’t even glance back and let the door shut behind me.
Once outside, I took some deep, cleansing breaths. One of the few things they’d taught me at the psychiatric hospital was how to breathe. Deep breathing exercises to help when I was angry, hurt, or frustrated. Right now, I was all three, so I sat on the same bench where Tyler and I had fooled around and counted to a zillion. While breathing and trying not to cry.
I should have known better than to trust a playboy rock star who could have anyone he wanted. I’d learned a long time ago not to trust anyone, and I’d let my heart and libido overrule my brain.
I was so fucking stupid. What had ever made me believe someone like Tyler Thompson could love me? Because I loved him, but in retrospect, he was just a decent human being who’d seen a wrong and thought he could right it. It had nothing to do with me, and while I still appreciated it, it hurt like a bitch.
At least now Madeline thought we had a good case to beat my father. Once we handled that, I’d be free, and I was going to go into hiding. I’d sell the house in Beverly Hills, take that money, and buy something somewhere off the beaten path. Wyoming or Montana or something. A moderate and functional estate in the middle of nowhere, where I could be alone and find some inner peace. I’d write music and live off my royalties. My dad had moved a lot of my money into his personal accounts, but I still had plenty. If I absolutely had to, I’d do one more album and tour and bank every dime. Then I’d be set.
“Hey, Ariel.” I hadn’t heard him coming so I jumped when Marcus sat beside me.
“Oh. Hi.”
“Sorry. Didn’t meant to startle you.”
“I was lost in thought.”
“Everything okay?”
I gave him a wry smile. “I guess it depends on your definition of okay. It’s been a rough few days.”
“Things are a little crazy right now,” he said gently, “but my brother really cares about you.”
“He has a funny way of showing it.” I looked up at the dark, dreary sky that was so reflective of my current mood. If I’d been looking for a sign from a greater power, this might have been as close as it got. Or it was just another wintery day in Limaj.
“Tyler’s always struggled with hard choices,” he said slowly. “I’m sure he told you about our falling out when we were teenagers.”
I nodded.
“It would have been so different if he’d just talked to me. Instead, he pulled away and avoided the whole thing.”
“Sounds familiar.” We were quiet for a few minutes, and then I glanced at him as a thought came to me. “Do you think you could help me get out of here, Marcus? I need to find a flight home and deal with my life. I love Tyler, but right now, I have to do what’s best for me—and let him do what’s best for him, too.”
“If you need to get home, the jet is leaving to take King Erik to London on business in a little while. I’m sure you can find a lot more options for flights home from London than here. There’s only one flight a day from Hiskale to New York, and it’s already left today.”
“Oh, that would be amazing. Yes.” I got to my feet. “I have to pack and tell Tyler my plans. Do I need to call Casey?”
“I’m heading up to Erik now, so I’ll ask him for you if you like? Can you be ready in an hour?”
“I can be ready in half an hour.”
“I’ll swing by your suite to pick you up in about forty-five minutes. That work for you?”
“Absolutely. Thanks so much!” I hurried back inside, determined to get back to L.A. and take control of my life. Once that was handled, I’d think about my incredibly