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“Promise.”

He nods like he understands, and runs toward the school entrance. I watch until he's inside.

Back in my car, I slam my hand against the steering wheel. What was I thinking? I'm supposed to be protecting her, not creating more problems. I should have known the paps would catch on. I should have never let her get pulled into my orbit.

One moment of being vulnerable and now there's more fuel for the fire.

This is why I keep my distance. This is why I don't get personal. Every time I let down my guard, someone gets hurt.

The buzzing of my phone interrupts my self-flagellation. It's a text from Wren.

“Talia wants to meet at the office ASAP.”

I start the car, dreading whatever's waiting for me. Whatever it is, I'm pretty sure I'm not going to like it.

11

WREN

Igrab a granola bar from my bag, twirling it in my hand as I pace.

Talia hasn’t said any other thing other than she wants to see Sean and me since I arrived, her furious keystrokes the only sound between us. I lean against my desk, tapping my foot. My stomach churns with anxiety and the bitter aftertaste of the coffee I downed on my way here.

Talia is upset about our carelessness but I need her to say it. I’ve already beat myself up all the way here. I steel myself for whenever she speaks.

The photographs displayed on my table mock me with every glance—Sean's arms around me, his lips on my forehead, my vulnerable expression captured for the world to see. Our private moment is now public. A moment I’ve been trying to push out of my mind and pretend like it didn’t happen. I don’t even have the choice of doing that now. My stomach turns.

Unable to bear the silence anymore, I speak first.

“This is a disaster.” I run my fingers through my hair, not caring that I'm ruining the sleek style I'd crafted this morning. I’ve seen the way Sean’s eyes linger and darken the first timeI wore this outfit. I don’t know what possessed me to wear it again even though I’m trying to set boundaries. It feels counterproductive.

“I know it looks bad,” I say. “It was careless. I should have never let my guard down. I should’ve set more boundaries.”

A smile tugs at Talia’s mouth. “Relax, Wren.”

I blink.

“Relax?”

Talia shifts on the sofa in my office, manicured nails tapping against her coffee mug. “It might not be as bad as you think. In fact, I think this might be good.”

“How could this be good?” I stop pacing to stare at her. “Haven't you seen the comments?”

“Have you?”

I shake my head vigorously. “God, no. I can’t bear the nasty comments. I don’t check social media anymore. I’m suffering enough.”

“Well, I have. That's why I'm saying this.”

The door opens and Sean walks in, his expression grim. My heart does a traitorous little flip at the sight of him.

“Sorry, I'm late. Had to drop Eric at school.”

“No problem.” Talia gestures to the couch opposite hers. “We were just discussing the... situation.”

Sean sits, keeping a careful distance between us. “Look, I take full responsibility. I should’ve been more careful.”

I sit down hard.