Page 95

“If you let me finish my sentences, you would know what I’m trying to say.”

Jesus. What the fuck is this? “Fine, go on.”

“I’ll make it quick because you have to go, but isn’t it funny you’re rushing now when, just a few minutes ago, you were getting ready to climb all over me?” She waves a hand. “But I digress. How come you didn’t ask me to drop off Ayla’s bag for you?”

My mind goes blank, and then it clicks. She’s pissed because I could have asked her for this favor, and I didn’t. I almost smile with relief.

“You have a fair point. I guess I was trying to maximize our time together. As far as the bag, I don’t want to bother you. You have things to do.”

She leans on the counter. “But Winter doesn’t? She has a baby, a full-time job, painting, charities with her husband, and a house reno going on. Lauren has a business, raising two boys, and a husband. Adri and Cam have two kids, businesses, and coaching. Be honest, Oliver. I believe you have bigger reasons for not asking me. And I am not okay with those.” Her voice quivers in the end, but her gaze tells me she’s dead serious.

I don’t need this right now.

Lux

I have to stop talking and catch my breath. I am not handling this the right way. I came downstairs hoping he would take his coffee and run out. A big emotional scene wasn’t in the plans. I didn’t want to do this right now…or ever. But it’s out in the open.

You can’t take it back, Luciana.

My skin doesn’t need to burn like this. My heart doesn’t need to try to shove itself out of my chest like it’s doing now. He literally thought of everyone in his circle but me.

“I didn’t want to bother you. You never mentioned that you wanted to be that kind of help,” he says.

The flash of heat over my face is so fast and so strong I’m like a kettle at boiling point.

Yeah, he’s going to take me there.

“Are you fucking with me? I get that today you didn’t realize I was offering, because you kept interrupting to tell me your plans. But how many times have I said how much I would love the chance to spend time with Ayla, just me and her. That could help speed up the process for us.”

His hands press against the marble countertop. “Lux, we agreed to go slow with that.”

“Yes, and I am okay with that. But I’m seriously starting to think it’s something else. Maybe you think I’m going to hurt your baby girl, or you think I’m not someone you expect will last more than a little while.”

His face goes dark. “I’ve never said that.”

“You don’t have to. Your actions do all the talking for you.”

Shut up, Luciana. You’re going to say something you regret.

I may have already said too much. He’s looking at me like I’m some crazy bitch. But I’m so angry even the tapping on my arm is not working. My gaze lands on the wall behind him to the letters I had carved and sprayed in gold. It’s my mantra. VYOEWINC.

Voice your opinion even when it’s not comfortable.

It’s a sign, and I can’t even stop my mouth from opening and saying what’s on the tip of my tongue. No matter the consequences. Silence never leads to a good place.

“You know, Mateo may be a monumental lying, cheating asshole, but he never tried to keep me as his dirty little secret. He still begs to spend time with me and be seen with me. He’s proud to have me on his arm. You, the nice guy, want to keep what we have locked in a room with the curtains drawn, out of the light so your amazing daughter—and maybe the entire world—doesn’t find out.”

He takes a step forward then stops. “You’re jumping to these far-reaching conclusions over me not asking you to do me one favor?”

“No,” I scream louder than I meant. “It’s not just one favor. You’ve left me out of all the plans, like I’m your booty call and not your girlfriend. And it’s not just today. It’s everything. You act as if I’m not worthy of introducing to everyone or even letting people know that we’re together.”

“We talked about this. We were going to build?—”

“Yeah, build, not hide.”

We’re so close I can feel his breath on my face, and the warmth of it reaches me fast, like the implications of this moment. Understanding hits me with brutal force. This may be it. I can’t compromise anymore.

“Luciana—”