Page 76 of The Silver Fox Brother

I grab my laptop from the desk, the charger, important documents from the drawer. My portfolio with Knox's business card still inside. Everything that actually matters.

Rowan's voice shifts again—softer now, pleading.

"Winter. Be reasonable. It's past one in the morning."

I can't believe I gave up my apartment to move into this fucking place with you." I'm shoving toiletries into a bag now, my movements rough.

"You're a goddamn liar."

"Where are you even going?"

"Not your problem."

"Winter, please." He steps into the room now, hands out like he's approaching something wild.

"At least wait until morning. We can talk when we're both calm."

I zip the suitcase closed with shaking hands.

"I am calm. And there's nothing to talk about."

Pull the suitcase off the bed. It hits the floor with a thud.

"This is a mistake." Rowan's voice is getting desperate now.

"You're going to wake up and realize you overreacted."

I grab my purse, my phone charger, one more bag of essentials.

"The only mistake I made was staying this long."

I pull the suitcase toward the bedroom door. Rowan moves to block my path.

"Winter. Please. Don't do this."

I stop, look up at him. He's taller than me, but right now I don't feel small.

"Move,” I say, sternly.

"I love you..” he says in a desperate plea. The words should mean something. Two months ago, they would have. Now they're just noise.

"You don't even know what that means."

"I do. I know I fucked up. But I love you."

"You love having me." I meet his eyes.

"There's a difference."

"That's not fair."

"Neither is cheating." I step forward, and he doesn't move.

"Move, Rowan."

He stares at me for a long moment. Then steps aside. I walk past him, pulling the suitcase behind me. It catches on the bedroom doorway, and I yank it free with more force than necessary.

Down the hallway. Through the living room. Past the kitchen where I poured water just hours ago, thinking about Knox's offer and whether I'd accept it.