Page 61 of Shattered Dreams

"Let me earn this. Let me fight the right way. Let me fight for us."

She shakes her head. "Roman, there isn’t anusanymore."

I can’t fucking stand it.

Tears prick my eyes as I fall to my knees in front of her, my hands clasping hers and holding so tight she can’t pull away. A sob leaves my throat as I insist, "There is. I just fucking ruined it. Now let me get us back.Please, Ava. I’m on my knees, fucking begging you."

She closes her eyes. “Just go, Roman.”

I stare at her through blurry vision, gritting my teeth as I shake my head. “No. I fucking love you, Ava Muller, and I know I fucked up. If I could take it back, I would, but I can’t, and I’m a stupid fucking prick for ever looking at anyone but you. I’m so, so, fucking sorry.”

“Roman—”

“Don’t end us. Please. I’ll do anything.”

She stares at me, her eyes still cold, but something in her expression changes.

“Did Kieron or Adam make you feel like I do?” I can’t help but ask her, and she looks away, giving me a tiny flicker of hope. “I can still make you feel like a queen, Ava. Look at me.”

She takes her time, her jaw set as she moves her head back toward me.

“I’ll doanything,”I tell her again. “Just please, no more men. I can’t…” I bow my head, tears flowing as I weep at her feet. Because this is what I deserve. “I can’t, Ava.”

She says nothing, but at least she doesn’t shove me away.

That’s got to mean something, right?

22

AVA

Istare down at the man who used to be my entire world.

Roman is on his knees, crumpled in front of me, his massive shoulders shaking with sobs, his fingers curled around mine so tight I think I’ll bruise. And for once, I don’t care if I do.

Because I want him to hurt.

The silence in the room is horrible, broken only by the ragged sound of his breathing and the echo of the words he just said.

I’ll do anything.

I used to live for those words. Back when they were whispered with promises, laughter, and lust. Back when he meant them. But now? He is throwing them out like last-ditch attempts to glue something back together he shattered himself.

I stare at the man on the floor, this giant of a human who everyone sees as indestructible. But right now? He’s just a broken boy who finally got caught playing with fire.

And now he’s burned.

I look at him for a long time. At the mess he’s made. At the man who ruined me. And I make a decision.

He’s going to pay. Properly. Publicly.Painfully.

I pull my hand free.

He doesn’t fight me on it, he just drops his head, like even the feel of my skin was a privilege he’s no longer worthy of.

“Roman.” My voice is calm. Scarily calm. “Get up.”

He lifts his head, eyes red and swollen. “Ava, please?—”