Pretend We're Over (Pretend 2)

Sebastian leads me through the weave of people as we make our way through the lobby. We get outside to the waiting car that says ‘Just married’ on the back.

Just married.

I still can’t believe those words.

“Kiss, kiss, kiss,” the crowd starts chanting again.

Sebastian hands our bags to the driver, and then he flashes his signature grin showing off his white teeth. This smile is fake, unlike the other ones I’ve seen from him. He’s putting on a show for the crowd, and I prepare myself for an untimely kiss.

But maybe if he finally kisses me, I’ll get over him. I’ll realize he’s just a man, and I’m just horny. It’s nothing some quality time with my vibrator can’t fix.

He flicks his baseball cap off and then leans in. I part my lips waiting for his kiss. At the last second, he puts the cap over our faces, hiding them from the world as he leans in as close as he can get without kissing me.

“Are you begging yet?”

“Are you done being a prick yet?”

He smirks. “Keep calling me names, Millie. It only means I’m getting under your skin and getting closer to winning.”

I exhale my breath—a mistake because it means I have to inhale, and all I breathe in is him.

The hollers grow louder, and eventually, Sebastian lets go of me. He opens the door to the car, and I slide in. He follows after, and then we are driving toward the airport.

There will be no more people to put on a show for. We are all alone. We don’t have to pretend anymore. We could even change our flights and head home early, and no one could stop us.

We are silent as we both get lost in our phones. Until the texts start in again…

Where r u?

Call me.

I need you.

You can’t hide from me.

I’ll find you.

Delete all.

“Shoot,” I breathe.

Sebastian looks at me. “We don’t have to go to Hawaii, you know. No one would know.”

I nod. “I know.”

“But maybe we should. We could both use a break.”

“And the trip is already paid for, nonrefundable. It seems silly not to go.”

“So, we’re going.”

“We’re going.”

“I, uh, talked to my lawyer,” he says while I fidget with my phone, thinking about the deleted messages.

“He said that he could get our marriage annulled before we get back. I’ll cover the costs of the legal fees.”

My mind is racing with so many thoughts. Could being married to Sebastian save me from my past?