Page 52

And because she didn't know what to do about that either—-

"I, um, started taking Italian lessons."

Cadence found herself starting to babble instead—-

"Signorasays I'm learning at an impressive speed."

Anything to distract her from the pain gnawing at her heart.

"I've also been helping out with one of the restaurants they own. I've been busy, really busy. Italian recipes are—-"

"Is this your way of telling me you've started a new life without me?"

No.

Never.

But if she said any of those things, wouldn't she end up being a burden to him again?

"Look at me."

It hurt to hear the tightness of his voice.

But what else was there for her to do?

She started to shake her head. "Can we just—-"

"Take me back."

Her gaze flew up to him.

"Take me back, Cadence."

Those were her words before.

"Please."

And it broke her heart to hear him say them back to her.

"I'm sorry," she whispered.

More than he would ever know.

"But no."

The rejection hit him like a physical blow, and Keiran felt the blood drain from his face.

"Why?" The question escaped before he could stop it, desperate and raw.

"I just can't," she whispered, and for a moment he thought she might cry.

Keiran felt as if he was about to lose everything.Again.

But this time would be final.

This time there would be no more visits, no more chances.

The finality of it crushed the air from his lungs.