Reign A Romance Anthology - Nina Levine Page 0,144

turn to vices I haven’t used in years. I needed to separate myself from that situation, get away before I did something I couldn’t come back from.

I’m all too aware of how easy the slippery slope can be.

It’s early morning. I’m not sure if Savanah has made her way back to San Antonio, but I want to be in her room when she does. So, I sneak down the side of her family mansion, making my way to her bedroom. I edge my way to her window and go to pull it open when I look in and see her in bed.

I pause.

It hits me—she isn’t alone.

There’s a man with her, a guy I’ve known for a long time, and he’s fucking shirtless.

My eyes drop to the ground.

I should have known Hunter would get the girl.

He was always a step ahead.

I can’t even be angry.

This time, I’m just fucking sad.

I really care about Savanah. Now, she’s seeking comfort, just like she said she did the last time I hurt her.

I need to make this right.

I need to make this up to her.

Sitting back waiting for Hunter to leave was painful, but his car is pulling out of the Del Rey home now, so it’s time to make my move. I rush back to Savanah’s bedroom window, gently rapping on it.

She spins dramatically, her eyes widening when she spots me, her lip turning up like she’s disgusted by the sheer sight of me.

But I am prepared for this.

So I stand back, enacting my plan.

I hold up the sign I made while waiting for Hunter to leave that says, ‘I’m a dick.’

She tries to fight a smile but walks over to the window, opening it. “A really small one,” she quips.

“Miniscule, like a Tic Tac. I was jealous.”

“So, a jealous Tic Tac?”

“Exactly.”

She frowns. “You made me look like an idiot in front of my friends, King.”

“I’m always saying sorry to you, Savvy. I’m gonna do better.” After taking in much-needed air, I exhale with a sigh, my shoulders dropping in defeat. “I left because, for the first time in years, I really wanted to fucking use. But I swear I didn’t. It’s why I left. Being in a VIP area at a concert, I knew I could score if I tried. I needed to be as far away as possible, but in doing that, I left you high and dry. Again.”

“This is our problem, King. We’re no good for each other. If I make you want to use just from a little bit of jealousy, what would our lives be like together… honestly?”

I slump because even though I don’t want her to be right, she is. “So then, this is it?”

Her eyes glisten. “I think so.”

In utter deflation, I drop the sign to my side.

“You’ll always be my first love, King.”

“You’ll always be my great love, Savvy.”

She reaches out, caressing my face. I hold her hand, then let go, taking her in for the last time—

the princess I let get away.

Then without saying anything else, with my heart ripping apart at the seams, I turn and walk away.

9

Savanah

My head pops out the window, watching King walk out of my life for the final time. Gentle footsteps behind me make me finally take my eyes away from King, and I turn.

My father places his hand on my shoulder in a soothing way. “You did the right thing, princess.”

“I did that for me, Father. Don’t for a second think it was for you. I ended it because he isn’t right for me.”

“Then maybe you will consider Hunter’s proposal?”

“He hasn’t proposed. I’m not marrying anyone. So, stop pushing!” I storm past him, making my way out toward the living room. Mom’s palliative nurse is with her as they sit together, and I edge in gaining their attention.

“Hi, sweetheart.”

“Hi, Momma. Any plans for the day?” I ask.

Mom’s lips turn up, but the gesture is weak. She’s getting frailer every damn day. I just want to see her smile. That’s all I want.

“Oh, you know… Darla is taking me bungee jumping, then we thought we’d go for a race around the go-kart track. Maybe go eat at a San Antonio food truck… all in a day’s work.”

Darla chuckles. “A day full of adventure.”

My eyes meet Mom’s caregiver. “Darla, would it be possible for the three of us to go out today? We don’t have to do much, maybe just go for a drive into town. Maybe do something fun, but nothing too strenuous? Just get us out