Page 9
“What happened, Thalia?” he murmurs. “Come on, let’s talk.”
In the living room, I sit on the couch while Theo brings me a cup of tea and helps me slip off my heels. He’s already ditched his suit jacket and bow tie, undone a few buttons of his shirt, and now he takes a seat beside me, relaxed but attentive.
“Thalia, if you need a good fuck, all you have to do is ask,” he says, a crooked grin tugging at his mouth.
“Don’t push it, Theo,” I answer, pinning him with a glare.
“Hey, you’re the one who jumped on me the second we were alone,” he replies, raising his hands in mock surrender, half-wicked, half-amused.
“I haven’t had sex in ages, Theo.” The words slip out before I can stop them. “I’m in a relationship with you, remember?” I snap, sarcasm sharpening my tone.
“Jesus, Thalia.” He stands, dragging a hand through his hair. “I think I’ve taken the whole relationship thing too far already,” he begins.
I remain still.
Time slows, the sounds of the city beyond the windows fading into a distant hum. My hand curls into the couch fabric until my knuckles ache.
He kneels in front of me slowly, as if careful not to startle me.
“You’re the only person who knows the reason behind all of this, and I’m grateful you’ve kept it secret for so long,” he says, his voice low, stable. “But I think it’s time we stop. Let’s break up—officially.”
My heart hammers so hard I can’t speak for several seconds.
“Are you breaking up with me, Theo Smith?” I finally manage, my voice deliberately playful. “I came here ready to sleep with you, and you’re dumping me?”
“Fuck. You can’t say that to me,” Theo growls, his voice dropping into something darker, more dangerous. “I’m a man. I know we set boundaries from the start, but right now all I can think about is taking you, throwing you in my bed, and doing whatever the fuck I want to you until morning.”
He groans, dragging a hand through his hair before striding toward the bar. The sound of glass against wood rings sharp as he sets one down and pours himself a heavy drink.
I laugh quietly, watching him, and the tension in the room crackles.
“Are you sure breaking up is really a smart move?” I ask, curiosity threading through my voice. “Don’t think about me, Theo. I told you from the beginning, we’d stay in this fake relationship for as long as you wanted.”
He lifts the glass, a faint, tired smile ghosting across his lips. One long swallow—strong enough to burn—and then he turns toward the window, shoulders rigid.
“I think it’s time to live my life fully again, Thalia.” His tone carries no hesitation, only quiet certainty. “I’ve been back home for so long, and all I’ve done is live according to plans, trying to prove something to someone.” He shakes his head slowly before finally meeting my eyes, his gaze piercing and unwavering. “You deserve to live free, to breathe without worrying about us getting exposed. And I need the same.”
His face is set in determination, jaw tight, eyes burning with conviction.
And in that moment, pride floods my chest so strongly it almost hurts.
I rise abruptly and cross the room in quick strides, throwing myself into his arms before I can second-guess the impulse. He lets out a rough laugh, catching me easily, his arms locking around my waist. The scent of whiskey lingers on his breath, the vibration of his laughter against my hair making my throat clench. He rests his chin on the top of my head, grounding me with the firm weight of his body.
“I just want you to be happy, Theo,” I murmur, tilting my head back so I can look him in the eye. My voice trembles, but I push the words out anyway. “You’re an incredible man, and I’m grateful I met you that night. Grateful I got to be the one to help you.”
His features soften, something raw flickering in his gaze.
The first time I saw him, I thought he was stunning, magnetic, the kind of man who turns heads without even trying. But even then I knew he was carrying something inside him, a shadow no one else could see. That story isn’t mine to tell; it never was. He’ll share it when he’s ready.
And now, looking at him, I see no hesitation left in him.
Just a man ready to reclaim his life.
And I can’t help but smile.
SIX
Ethan
