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Cole never seemed to get tired of driving all the way out here from the city just to spend time with me.
And why? What did he see in me, a small-town boutique owner with more baggage than I could carry some days?
The bell to the store suddenly rang, and I looked up, automatically reaching for the “Closed” sign.
“We’re closed,” I called, glancing back at the register. “Come back tomorrow.”
No answer. I glanced up, expecting to see someone just turning around.
But my blood ran cold instead.
Marcus stood by the door, his dark eyes fixated on me with a smile that only made my stomach twist.
Every instinct in me screamed to run, but I stayed still, forcing my expression to remain calm.
“Well, hello, Tori,” he said smoothly, stepping forward with a bouquet of black roses in his hand.
“What are you doing here?” My voice came out sharper than I’d planned. “We’re closed, Marcus.”
“These are for you.” He extended the black roses, a forced smile still in place, though I could see it wavering.
“No, thank you,” I said, the words like sand in my mouth. “I’d like you to leave. My boyfriend is picking me up soon.”
His smile dropped in an instant.
“So it’s true. You’re dating Cole Valen?” He sounded almost amused. “Guess he’s an upgrade from me, huh? I hear there’s a big event tonight in town. Let me guess… he’s your date?”
My stomach dropped. How did he know about the event? Had he been keeping tabs on me?
I pushed down the cold coil of fear building in my chest, trying to sound braver than I felt.
“Marcus, what do you really want from me?” I asked.
He gave me a look that could almost pass as remorseful if I didn’t know better.
“Tori, you’re the one that got away. It took me five years to realize letting you go was the biggest mistake of my life. I want to win you back,” he said.
I didn’t believe him for one second. Lying was second nature to Marcus.
He could bend the truth without blinking, mold words to his advantage as easily as he breathed.
I'd spent years being fed half-truths and manipulative promises, each one hollow yet persuasive enough to keep me tethered in his grasp.
I’d watched him lie to friends, charm strangers, and manipulate anyone who crossed his path—always with that smooth, effortless confidence.
It was frightening how believable he could make anything sound, even as his true intentions twisted beneath the surface.
I forced myself to hold his gaze.
“You didn’t let me go, Marcus. I left.” I wanted to keep the bitterness out of my voice, but it slipped through. “And I’ve moved on.”
Just as he started to speak again, the door opened, and relief flooded me.
But it wasn’t Cole—it was a tall, muscular man with dark hair and a friendly smile, likely a few years older than me.
“Sorry,” he said, looking around, “but are you still open?”
“We’re closed. Leave, buddy,” Marcus snapped, glaring.