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I take a deep breath, steadying myself for the words I’m about to say. “Quinn, you can’t protect me from this. No one can.” My voice is firm, despite the tremor of emotion running through it. “I have to leave. It’s the only way to keep everyone safe.”
Quinn’s eyes widen, the rich brown darkening with panic. His breath catches audibly, the scent of his distress filling the small room. “What? No, Aria, you can’t just leave. Let us help you, please.”
I shake my head, a sad smile tugging at my lips. “It was a beautiful dream, Quinn, but it’s time to face reality. If I stay, it’s not a matter of if they will find out, but when. I can’t put you or the pack at risk like that.”
My words sound hollow, even to my own ears.
He opens his mouth to protest, but I silence him with a gentle finger against his lips. “Please, Quinn. Don’t make this harder than it needs to be.”
I tug on my shirt and glance at the clock. My heart races, palms sweating as I glance at the clock. I need to get out of here, now. Every second I linger is a risk I can’t afford.
How can I lose him?
I can see the pain in Quinn’s eyes as he struggles to accept my words. His strong arms wrap around me, pulling me close, as if he can shield me from the harsh realities we face. “Aria, please,” he whispers, his voice thick with emotion. “Don’t go. We can find another way.”
Even as I melt into his embrace, savoring the warmth and comfort of his touch, I know I can’t falter. This is bigger than us, bigger than the yearning of my heart.
I gently extract myself from his arms, steeling my resolve. “I’m sorry, Quinn, but this is the way it has to be, for both our sakes.”
I quickly gather my things, not daring to look back at him. If I do, I might lose my nerve and let myself be swayed by the love and devotion shining in his eyes.
As I reach for the door handle, Quinn grasps my wrist. “Aria, wait.” His voice is raw, pleading. “At least let me help you. Let me make sure you’re safe.”
I pause, the temptation to accept his offer nearly overwhelming, but I can’t.
Shaking my head with tears burning my eyes, I push past him and into the empty hallway. I rush to the elevator, pulling out my phone as I do. Luckily, when the doors open, there isn’t anyone in there.
My luck, however, runs out when I turn around and rest against the wall. There, on the opposite side of the hall, coming out of the emergency stairwell, are Zane, Malachi, and Dash.
With three sets of eyes on me, I watch as the doors close, my heart beating through my chest.
With them out of sight, I quickly call Cayenne.
She picks up on the first ring. “Where the fuck have you been?”
“I don’t think Puritan City is working out for me,” I say, even though the words taste like ash in my mouth.
It’s a lie I have to tell myself, because if I don’t, the consequences are something I could never live with.
25
ARIA
The Past…
Some days are perfect, amazing. Hell, they are the days I want to experience for the rest of my life, like today.
The sun burns high in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow over the boardwalk by the beach. Birds chirp merrily, children laugh as they play, and the scent of salt from the ocean hangs heavily in the air. It’s one of those perfect summer days that feels like it will never end. Noah’s hand is in mine as we stroll along the winding paths, the world around us a blur of color and light.
“Look at that,” Noah says, pointing to a group of seagulls stealing snacks off a picnic blanket. His smile is boyish and infectious, and I can’t help but grin back at him. For a moment, I forget all about the eggshells I usually walk on around him.
How dare he always look so handsome?
“They are adorable,” I reply, squeezing his hand. Moments like this make it hard to believe that anything could ever go wrong between us.
Or feel wrong, for that matter.
We find a spot on the sand just off the path to the ocean. From here, I can hear the ocean waves crashing against the shore. It’s my happy place, and I’d give almost anything to grab one of those surfboards and ride the waves.
