Page 23 of A Sinful Gravity

"Take me away... please. Let me go."

Couldn't say another word. But she just said, "Send your location. I'm coming."

Chloe arrived with an umbrella, splashing through puddles into the headlight beams. When she saw me, she didn't ask questions. Just pulled me from the driver's seat, checked me head to toe. Once she confirmed I wasn't seriously hurt, she wrapped me in her jacket.

"Come on, get in my car," she said.

I followed her. Legs felt weak—that post-adrenaline weakness. I grabbed her arm. She gripped my hand tight. Didn't ask anything. Just led me forward.

Chloe's car was warm. She handed me hot water, made a few calls to deal with the accident scene, then drove me home.

"Want to go to my place?" Chloe's voice was cold, edged with fury.

"No," I leaned against the window. Knew she'd probably guessed. I felt strength gradually returning. "Take me home. I need to get some things."

Back at the house, I'd recovered somewhat. Chloe brought me a blanket. I curled on the couch against her shoulder. After silence, I spoke. Told her word for word what I'd heard tonight. What happened.

Chloe's chest heaved. Hands trembled. She steadied her rage before speaking. "I'm so sorry, Luna."

"He makes me sick! He doesn't deserve you!"

"Cassian is a complete bastard! How dare he say that about you? How dare he give that necklace to that bitch Sloane?"

Chloe's tears fell. She turned and hugged me tight. "I'm sorry. I thought he'd be better. I really thought he..." She paused. "I was wrong. I shouldn't have told you to wait."

She knew Cassian had finally crossed the line. Saw the emptiness in my eyes. Knew my heart was dead.

"Not your fault," I said.

"I told you to stay," she said, voice low. "That's on me."

We were both quiet.

Then I spoke. "Chloe, I want to leave."

She turned, looked at me. Reluctance and understanding in her eyes. I knew she was listening.

"Not just talk," I said. "Really. I've thought it through. I want to leave Washington. I want... to start over doing what I actually want to do."

Chloe looked in my eyes. "Luna, if you decide to go, I'll support you and help. Cassian won't find you again."

I stood. Went to the closet, pulled out the letter I'd buried deepest in the drawer. The offer from the Royal Ballet in London. They'd said they'd seen my academy performances and awards, wanted to bring in my teaching style.

I'd received it months ago. But back then, I'd been lost in sweet marriage fantasies. Just smiled and put it away.

Now I pulled it out. London would be daytime now. I dialed the number.

A woman with a warm voice answered. When I gave my name and purpose, her voice brightened immediately. "Luna Crawford! We've been waiting so long. You finally called!"

I held the phone, closed my eyes, then spoke. "So... is the position still available?"

"Of course it is," she said. "We've been holding it for you, Luna. We can't wait for you to arrive."

"Good. I accept."

Hung up. Felt something loosen in my chest. Like something unknown breaking through soil.

I pulled out the divorce papers I'd drafted after our last fight. I'd put them in the bottom drawer of the desk, hadn't touched them. Like something I didn't want to face.