Tempting (Inked Hearts 1)

"It doesn't matter."

"Of course it does."

"You shouldn't be with me." His voice is dripping with hurt, but it's still confident. Sure.

"I get to decide that."

"Yeah. But I do too." He takes a step backward. "I'm sorry, Kay. Have a safe flight."

Then he turns and leaves.

And takes my heart with him.

Chapter Forty-Seven

Brendon

I sit in my car for a fucking eternity.

I check the flight notice again and again.

Boarding.

Boarded.

On its way.

I turn my car on. Plug my cell into the stereo. Blast something by The Descendants.

The parking fee is a fucking crime.

But I don't care.

I take the streets to Lincoln and I drive. I drive until the street becomes Pacific Coast Highway proper. I drive until I'm curving around Pacific Palisades then the Malibu hills.

It doesn't help my thoughts come together.

I keep seeing the hurt on Kaylee's face.

Like I ripped her heart in half.

I was sure I was right. That hurting her was a necessary evil. That she shouldn't be with me much less love me.

But the more I drive, the less sense it makes.

Chapter Forty-Eight

Kaylee

I rest my head against the window and watch the clouds roll by.

It's strange. I'm empty. But my thoughts have nowhere to go.

My head is only more of a mess.

Brendon insisting I shouldn't love him.

Emma calling me a liar.