Steal My Breath (Elixir 1)

I can’t see Avery, which means I’m going to have to talk to Luke. This could get messy. I’m suddenly tempted to turn and run and let my best friend deal with vomit in a taxi. Because hearing Luke’s voice and seeing him up close is going to splinter my heart all over again.

“Callie,” he says when I reach the bar. I suck in a breath at the pain I see in his eyes.

“Hi, Luke,” I say softly.

We stare at each other in silence for what feels like minutes but probably isn’t. I feel like an awkward schoolgirl, unsure of what to say or do.

Finally, he speaks. “Avery’s in the office. I’ll let her know you’re here.” He leaves me, and I stare after him, stunned.

That’s all he has to say to me?

After everything we were to each other?

Oh, hell no.

Uh, uh, buddy.

I don’t think so.

I stalk after him and catch him just before he reaches the office. “Is that all you’ve got?” I demand as I grab hold of his arm and spin him around.

The pain I saw in his eyes flashes to anger. “Should I have more?”

“What the fuck, Luke?”

He stares at me as he pushes a harsh breath out. “What do you want from me, Callie? You were the one who walked away.”

My eyes widen. “Only because you made it clear we had nowhere to go! Don’t put this all on me!” God, he’s infuriating.

His nostrils flare. “I never told you we had nowhere to go. Baby, we were going everywhere and then, bam, you blindsided me with Jolene. I thought we had the rest of our lives together.”

The office door flings open at that moment and Avery glares at us. “Guys, can you hear yourselves? Why can’t you just admit you both made a mistake and figure this shit out?”

Luke’s eyes don’t let go of mine. “Callie knows where to find me if she changes her mind.” He finally drags his gaze away to face Avery. “Let me know if you’re not feeling well tomorrow and I’ll organise staff.” With that, he strides back to the bar, leaving me in stunned silence.

“What just happened?” I beg Avery to explain. “Has he been this angry the whole five weeks?”

She nods. “Yep. That about sums it up.”

“And it’s all my fault?”

“He hasn’t said anything like that, babe.”

Tears prick at my eyes and I blink to stop them falling. “I need to get out of here right now. Are you ready?”

“Yeah. Thank you for coming. I didn’t want to ask you because I didn’t want you to have to see Luke, but I—”

“It’s all good, A. I’m sorry you’re not feeling well. You look like hell.”

“Thanks.”

I drop Avery at her home and make sure she’s okay before driving home. I can’t get Luke’s angry face out of my mind.

I thought we had the rest of our lives together.

So, did I.

Turns out fate had different plans for us.