Page 131 of Blackwood

I read it twice.

It’s short.

Dismissive.

Lex-style polite, but it still hurts. I know what it means. He needs space from me. And the worst part is I don’t blame him.

I fold the note and slip it into my pocket. Then I just stand here, breathing. Wanting to say something. To text Lex. To call Bella. But I don’t.

Because I meant what I said. I need time. And if I stay here where Lex looks at me like I’ve already failed, I won’t get it.

So, I pack light. A few clothes. My charger. My sketchbook. Grab my keys off the counter and head back to Wexley. Just for a while.

Some distance will help.

Some time will help.

Eventually, it’ll all be fine.

I hope.

Chapter 42

BELLA

Rosethorne Mansion – Wexley University

589 Days Since Zeke’s Death

I sit on the edge of my bed, the silk comforter bunched under my fists, and stare out the window.

LEX:So, don’t be upset or freak out. I just wanted to give you a heads up in case you run into him. Cade moved back to Wexley.

I reread it three times. But the words didn’t change. Cade left because of me.

That was a week ago and I still feel horrible. Like the blackness in my life is spreading, infecting everything and everyone I touch.

Lex and I have been talking and hanging out a little since the night he hijacked my mission. He puts on this whole big, tough Russian gun runner act for the world to see, but it’s mostly just that. An act.

Kinda.

I mean, yeah the guy can still kick ass, take names, and look fucking hot while doing it. But underneath it all, he’s a damn teddy bear.

ME:Lex… I’m so sorry. I ruined everything for you.

The dots appear. Stop. Appear again.

LEX:Baby, you didn’t ruin anything. Cade just needs time and space. That’s all. He’ll be fine.

LEX:You should have seen him when I told him my mom and uncle ran guns. We didn’t speak for a month.

ME:A month?! Lex, you realize that running guns is nothing compared to what I told him? This may never actually work.

LEX:It will. Plus… while he cools down it gives you and me some time to get to know each other.

More dots.

LEX:Like really get to know each other… if you catch my drift.