Twisted Love (Modern Romance #3) - Piper Lawson Page 0,79
care about, and the way her expression caves, her entire body going from tense to gutted in a heartbeat, makes me want to take it all back. But I can’t.
She lied to me.
Nothing’s as simple as it was ten minutes ago, when all I wanted was to find solace in her.
“Ben.”
“What?” I snap at the sound of Xavier's voice at my back, forgetting to tone it down for my partner.
“They’re about to call your name. You need to give a speech.”
I hear them announce the award that I won.
As I adjust my collar and head back into the room, I can’t even find satisfaction in Holt’s stunned expression, the fact that I won.
All I feel is numb.
26
I can’t speak. Can’t move. Can’t do anything but watch as Ben walks away from me.
"I love you. And right now, I wish I didn't."
Eventually, I hear his voice at the microphone and drag my feet toward the doorway as he gives his speech. His words echo dully in my ears.
The importance of vision. Integrity. Taking risks.
Applause greets him when he finishes his remarks, and he takes the crystal statue back to the table.
I run outside for some air. The cool night washes over me, and I perch on the edge of a step as I try to breathe, to forget the betrayed look on Ben’s face.
It’s worse than what I pictured if he ever found out. A thousand times worse.
“Daisy.”
A familiar voice has me looking up. I rise, smoothing my dress down with a hand. “Aiden.”
“Did you see my father in there?”
“No." I can't find a smile, but I force myself to suck in a breath. "I’m looking forward to meeting with him about the resort collection.”
It’s a lie, but maybe next week I’ll feel like it again. It’s the one thing I have to focus on right now.
Aiden’s expression seems more perturbed than usual. “This resort collection?” He pulls out his phone and holds it out.
I take it, studying the screen. Without asking permission, I flick through the images. There’s new branding, a tagline, everything.
“It’s done.” Disbelief echoes in my voice.
“You never had a shot. He strung you along to get your help with the wedding PR. It’s why I try to stay as removed from him, and it, as possible. If it makes you feel better, my father uses everyone.”
I’m gutted. Empty. Ruined.
Every choice I’ve made, every sacrifice this past month—more than—was for nothing.
“Why are you telling me?”
“Because you’ve always been direct with me in a way most people aren’t. And because I appreciate what you said to me earlier, about making something real from something fake.” He shoves his hands in his pockets. “It’s not true. But I appreciate the sentiment.”
My eyes burn.
“Don’t mention this to my father. I didn’t want you to devote additional resources to a pursuit that’s destined to fail.”
I hand back his phone and head inside, making a beeline to the bathroom. I press a damp towel to the back of my neck.
This business I’ve been building for my team and myself will suffer. My clients have already suffered.
It’s crashing down around me.
Not only that, but without the deal with Vane on the table, Ben and I never would’ve had to pretend to date. I wouldn’t be standing here, in love with my best friend who looked at me as if I’d destroyed him.
When I steady myself enough to go back out there, Tris catches my eye from the bar.
I look past him to where Ben’s talking with some other men in suits, his mom at his side.
“Want me to fuck him up for you?”
I swipe my face, finding the single tear that snuck through. “No.”
I didn’t want you to devote additional resources to a pursuit that’s destined to fail.
Is that what it’s always been with Ben? Destined to fail?
Tris shifts into my line of sight. “When he told me you were dating, I called bullshit. My brother’s a smart guy, but he’s too stupid to see what you’ve always had together.”
“Which is what?”
“Something better than a label.”
His thoughtfulness would be touching if I were capable of appreciating it.
“We were friends, Tris. And I always wanted more, but now I don’t even know if we’re that.”
The awards have concluded and there’s music starting. When I look back toward Ben, he’s watching us. Not just watching—he’s headed this way.
Tris follows my gaze before stepping closer, his mouth close to my ear. “I hope not. For his sake.”