Page 38 of Shattered Dreams

My eyebrows climb. I ruffle Poppy's hair as she scurries past, then turn back to Ava. She watches me like I'm something dangerous.

I cross the kitchen, stopping when she steps back, hands raised like a shield.

"Roman, don't. I came to get my things."

Her things?

She's close enough to touch, yet I can’t. I swallow as she heads upstairs, pausing to look back.

"If you want to talk, do it while I pack."

I take the stairs two at a time, not wanting to waste a second. She's already at our dresser, suitcase open on the bed.

What the fuck is going on?

"Going anywhere nice?" I nod toward the case.

She glances up, holding a scrap of black lace between her fingers.

The underwear I bought her in Paris.

She drops it into the suitcase with deliberate care, then looks at me.

"I'm going to Kieron's for a break. I need peace, and I can't find it here."

The words hit like a physical blow. A growl escapes my throat.

"What do you mean you're going to Kieron's?"

"I mean exactly that." She lifts the dress I bought her in Milan—my favourite, the one that makes her skin glow—and tosses it in. "I'm going to Kieron's."

"What about Poppy?"

She blinks, as if surprised I'd ask. "She can come with me."

Over my dead body.

"No."

"Then she stays with you. I'll be back in a week."

I close the distance between us. She folds her arms, chin lifted in defiance.

God, she's beautiful. Even furious, and breaking my heart, she's the most stunning woman alive.

"Don't go. Not with him. I'm sorry?—"

"Do you know how Ifeelwhen I'm with him, Ro?"

My stomach drops.

"I feelbeautiful.Wanted. Heworshipsme, and you know what? I think you were right. Hehasalways been in love with me, but I was too blind to see it."

Nausea rises in my throat. I close my eyes, fighting for control—anger at myself, at him, at this mess I created.

"Funny how he swooped in the moment I fucked up. Like a knight in shining armour?—"

She whirls around, yanking the zipper closed with sharp, violent movements. Her eyes blaze.