Page 101 of Filthy Rich Temptation

‘But it’s not safe,’ I say weakly.

‘I’d rather take my chances alone than be with someone I don’t trust. I don’t know who you are any more.’

‘Youdo.’ The space between us turns glacial, and I stumble forward, the ground falling away beneath me. ‘You know me better than anyone else in this world. Youknowyou do.’

Something chases over her face, something I want to run after and hold onto, but it’s gone too quick to name.

‘I thought I did. But the man I knew would’ve trusted me with the truth – and held me while I came to terms with it. This man… It doesn’t matter any more. Because I know now, I don’t need you. I don’t need Danny. I don’t need anyone to hold me up. Goodbye, Theo.’

She spins and strides away.

‘Please, Sadie.’ I rush after her, panic driving me half-mad as I block her path. ‘At least let me drive you.’

‘No.’ She stiffens, eyes like steel. ‘I’ll get there on my own – start the way I mean to go on. Just me and Lottie. That was always the plan until you—’ She breaks off, eyes dashing away. ‘Just let me go.’

‘But where will you stay?’

‘That’s not your concern any more.’

‘At least call Taylor, get her?—’

‘No!’ She shoots me a glare so sharp it cuts me in two. ‘You’vebothdone enough.’

And then she walks.

Not runs.

Walks.

And I let her.

Because this time, she isn’t running away an eighteen-year-old girl with her heart crushed; she’s walking with her head held high, more certain of who she is and what she wants, and that isn’t me.

And I don’t blame her.

She’s stronger than I ever gave her credit for – fighting for the life she wants, while I clung to fear and called it protection.

Worse, I told myself I was keeping her safe, when really, I was keeping myself safe – from the truth, from the risk, from the weight of loving her out loud.

I’m the coward in this story.

And my greatest weakness was the one thing I should’ve been strong enough to say all along…

I love you.

18

SADIE

I’m lost.

Not physically.

But mentally. Emotionally. Completely lost.

Walking away from Theo on the path hadn’t been fun – but it had been easy. Throwing clothes into cases, making excuses to Isla and Lottie, pasting on a brave face while I got us the hell out of there.

All doable.