Shattered Dynasty

“I do have a lot of work to do later,” I say, remembering that I’m still behind after my accident.

“Then let’s eat at home.” It comes out of his mouth casually. Like this is normal. Referring to his loft as our home.

46

Payton

* * *

The first thing I notice as my eyes open is that the bed feels empty, but as they adjust to the light gleaming into the room, I confirm my suspicion.

Trent is not here.

I’ve gotten used to him being around, so it feels odd when he’s gone.

I miss Trent.

For the past few weeks, I knew I was falling for him, but right now, as I think of the way he makes me smile and the comfort I feel when he’s in the room, I realize this is more than that.

I have fallen for him already.

Completely.

I need my best friend to talk to.

I’ll go to Heather’s. I haven’t spoken to her in ages. A few texts here and there, but we haven’t been alone since before my accident. Although she has come to visit, eyes nearly popping out of her sockets when she first caught sight of this place and Trent strolling shirtless out of his gym, someone is always around, so I never feel like we can talk openly.

Wistfully removing myself from the comfort of Trent’s bed, I cross to the bathroom.

I need to brush my teeth.

Shower, too.

My reflection stares back at me in the mirror. I look like a mess.

A fully satisfied mess.

Even I can see the difference in my eyes.

They no longer look tired.

No, now they beam with emotions I haven’t felt in forever.

A smile spreads across my face as I think of what I want to do today . . . See Heather.

Me: I’m coming over!

Heather: Maybe I’m busy.

Me: Never too busy for me.

Heather: No truer words have ever been spoken. See you soon.

I finish my morning business and head into the closet to get dressed. All my clothes are still here, and I rustle around until I’m pulling on a chambray button-down, leggings, and a pair of boots. It’s cold out, so I grab a coat, too.

Once I’m dressed, I go in search of Trent to tell him I’m leaving, but no matter where I look, I come up empty-handed.

With a shrug, I sit on the couch and pull out my phone to call him, but as I’m about to, my phone rings.

Erin.

I have no desire to speak with her, but if I send her to voicemail, she will just keep calling or show up here on Trent’s doorstep, demanding I speak to her. She’s persistent when she wants something, and since I never came through with the money, I imagine by now, she’s desperate.

Answering and hanging up as fast as possible is the move.

“Hello,” I say.

And through the line, I can hear the sound of my sister crying.

I can’t remember the last time I heard her like this.

She’s gasping into the phone.

I’m instantly back to when we lived in her car, how she would sob.

The sound makes my stomach hurt.

All the memories from my past are front and center in my mind.

She’s still my sister.

Of course, I care. No matter how horribly she treats me, she will always be the girl who raised me when no one else would.

“Erin? Are you okay?”

She doesn’t answer, but I can hear her hyperventilating.

“I need you—”

The phone goes dead.

I’m out of the house, on the subway, then heading to the train in no time.

Once seated, I pull out my phone to fire off a text to Trent, telling him I’m going to Heather’s.

He cares about me.

I know it in the bottom of my soul.

I’m lost in my thoughts as the train rolls up to the station. I realize that I’ve spent the last thirty minutes obsessing over what happened to my sister to even think of what Trent will do when he finds out I’m gone without his security team.

I knock on Erin’s door as I dig through my bag, looking for my phone. Once in my hand, I hit the button to call him, and as the other line rings, I think about what I’m going to say if he doesn’t answer.

Should I just blurt it out?

Trent, I’m in love with you.

Too much?

But I realize that it’s the truth.

I love Trent Aldridge.

I have fallen in love with the man who tried to ruin me but instead, showed me so much more.

The voicemail picks up, and as I hear his familiar voice, a smile spreads across my face. I open my mouth to say everything I need to say. I’m too distracted with my own thoughts to hear the steps.

I’m too distracted to hear anything.

All I know is one minute I’m about to speak . . .

And the next, the world goes black.

47

Trent

* * *

When I arrive back home, the house is quiet.