I pushed out of my chair and leaned over the desk. He was being so harsh and unfair. This wasn’t the man I’d given my body to. He wasn’t the man I thought he was. “You’re an asshole,” I replied. “I didn’t take his money. You’re still working on your deal, aren’t you?”
“Yeah, despite you.” His words were nasty but his tone was flippant, as if I were an irritation.
“Surely if I’d told him, then someone else would have bought the precious company, that guy who hated your dad.”
He folded his arms. “I have no idea how your mind works or what your plans are. I hope it was worth it. You sold your character, your soul, for that money.”
“You think if I had a hundred and fifty thousand dollars I’d stick around here to get caught? I’d have taken the next flight out.”
“There’s no point in denying it, Avery. I found the phone and the guy’s business card under your bed. The same phone you’re being given here.” He tapped the photo with his finger.
“What the hell?” How had he gotten that phone? I’d stashed the phone and the business card, unsure of what to do with them. “You’ve been in my room?”
“You should try harder to hide stuff if you don’t want people finding them.”
“You’ve been through my things? Who are you?” Jesus, how long had Hayden had suspicions about me? Had he fucked me despite them or because of them? I shivered, uncomfortable in my skin. I needed to get out of there.
“Fuck you. I didn’t take the money. If I had, my life would be a lot better right now. My brother’s life would be a lot better. I’m not that girl. I wouldn’t have done it to anyone, but especially not to you. Not the way I feel—felt—about you.” I straightened and took him in. Still so handsome, but this wasn’t the man I’d shared so much with. That man would know I couldn’t ever take money for selling someone out. “You think you’re isolated on this yacht in the middle of the sea? It’s your suspicions, your mistrustful heart, that isolate you. I’d rather lose every dollar I have than live like that—trusting no one, loving no one, having no one love me. You might end up with an empire and more money than God, but take a look around and you’ll see all the backs of the people who loved you who you turned away.”
Had all these weeks been a lie? Was he pretending to be someone he wasn’t? I shook my head. “I didn’t take that money. I know that, and the man I kissed under the fireworks all those weeks ago knows it too. I don’t recognize the man standing in front of me. And I don’t want to know you.” He’d believe what he wanted. Resignation took hold. I wasn’t going to win this battle. I’d known as soon as I got back to the yacht that I could never betray Hayden like that. I’d paid a high price for my character because either way I was guilty, either of betraying Hayden or my brother. Even now, with Hayden accusing me of taking the money, I didn’t regret my decision, but I did regret having put so much on the line for him. I’d been a fool. I pulled open the door and left, and Hayden didn’t try to stop me. As I slammed the door behind me, I let out a breath, trying to stop myself from screaming out loud at the injustice of it all. For a second I thought I’d found someone, the one. For a moment I’d imagined a life full of fun and love and happiness rather than duty and burden and sacrifice. My heartbeat scattered in my chest and all of a sudden disappeared as if my heart had simply given up the fight.
Thirty-One
Avery
“All crew. All crew, this is the captain. Meeting in the galley immediately.” The anticipated announcement echoed out from my waistband as August and I folded towels in the laundry room. It was Captain Moss’s call to the post-charter meeting where the captain brought up any concerns he had about our performance as a team and then distributed the tips.
Hayden had left the charter yesterday, the day after our argument in his office over the photos. I hadn’t seen him again. I couldn’t bring myself to leave my room while he was still on board. I didn’t want to be reminded of the anger in his voice or the mistrust in his glance. Skylar had found me crying and told me to stay in bed. She didn’t ask any questions and I hadn’t argued with her. Even I wasn’t able to paint a professional smile over my broken heart. I needed to piece myself back together and now Hayden was gone, it might be possible.