Page 12 of Before Broken Vows

"Then your apology means nothing."

I look forward out onto the open road. I knew this would be hard, but not this hard. I've foolishly convinced myself over theyears that I was in the right. That Theo wouldn't—I can't say notice I was gone—but that he'd get over it pretty quickly and move on. I feel like an idiot for thinking the time we spent together was more cherished by me than him.

I can say with confidence it fucking sucks to learn about something when it's too late. When the moment's gone.

"Are you in immediate danger?" he finally asks me, his voice neutral now. Detached.

I consider lying, then decide against it. "I don't think so. Not yet. But I will be."

"Who's looking for you?"

I shake my head.

His frustration radiates off him in waves. "Can you stop being so cryptic? I need more information if you want me to help you. So, what can you tell me?"

"That I wouldn't be here if I had any other choice. That I feel like I've spent years running. That I'm not even sure who I am sometimes. That I'm—" My voice breaks embarrassingly. "I'm tired, Theo."

The naked honesty in my voice surprises even me. For a moment, his expression softens, and I catch a glimpse of the man I used to know. The one who would hold me through nightmares and kiss my forehead when I was stressed.

But it vanishes as quickly as it appeared.

"Get some rest," he says. "We still have two hours to go."

I lean my head against the window, closing my eyes. Sleep won't come, not with him inches away, but I can at least pretend.Maybe if he thinks I'm sleeping, he'll stop looking at me like I've ripped his heart out all over again.

Maybe he'll stop looking at me like he still wants me, despite everything. Maybe I'll stop wanting him to. It's a complication neither of us can afford.

Sleep, Stassi. Just sleep.

When I open my eyes again, we're turning onto the familiar tree-lined drive leading to the Kastaris summer estate. The Mediterranean villa rises from the hillside like something from a dream. White walls and terracotta tile roof against the backdrop of olive groves and sea.

My heart twists painfully. The last time I was here, I was happier than I'd ever been in my life.

Theo parks in front of the main entrance. For a moment, neither of us moves.

"We're here," he says unnecessarily.

I nod, staring at the house. "It looks the same."

"On the outside." He gets out without elaborating, and I follow, noticing how tense his broad shoulders are.

Inside is exactly as I remember. Cool marble floors, high ceilings, and windows that frame the sea like living paintings.

"You can take the spare room down the?—"

"I remember where it is," I cut him off, unable to bear hearing him direct me to the room I once used as a pretense when his family visited, before sneaking to his bed each night. "I just need to rest. It's been a long trip here, and I'm jet-lagged."

He looks at me with something unreadable in his eyes.

For a heartbeat, the world stills.

Then he nods, short and sharp. "Fine."

He gestures for a housekeeper hovering nearby.

"Elena will get you anything you need," he says, his voice colder now. Distant.

I nod stiffly. "Thank you."