Chapter 169
Chapter 169:
I smacked the back of her head—not hard, just enough to hopefully knock some sense into her.
“And you believed that? You, who could have anyone, decided to get tangled up with a confirmed playboy p>
Yvaine said simply, “He’s hot. He treats me well. I like him. I’m not planning our wedding. If he starts sniffing around anyone else, I’m out. Simple as that p>
I opened my mouth, then closed it again.
She wouldn’t listen now. If I pushed, she’d only dig in harder. She’d convince herself that everyone wanted to keep them apart, and he’d become even more appealing to her.
I knew that because I’d done it. I’d clung to Rhys Granger with both arms and most of my dignity, even after everyone warned me he was bad news. Maybe Yvaine really could walk away. Maybe she meant what she said.
I hoped so.
The doctor finished patching up Cassian, and we stepped into the room together. Ashton had already arranged for a nurse.
Cassian was calling his family, lying about being away on a business trip for weeks.
Just before we left with Ashton, I paused at the door.
Yvaine was sitting on the edge of the bed, holding Cassian’s hand. His knuckles were wrapped. Her thumb moved gently across the gauze. He stared at her with a look that was possibly adoration.
They looked like they could take on a firing squad together.
“Do you think he’ll change?” I asked Ashton quietly.
“I wouldn’t bet on it p>
After we left the hospital, Ashton and I grabbed brunch near East 78th.
gαℓησν𝒆𝓁s․com brings your imagination alive
“I’ll drive you,” he said after I told him I planned to go back to Oakwood Apartments.
I nodded, remembering not to say “thank you,” like I always did.
“About last night,” he started.
“Yeah?” I stared out the car window, distracted.
I was thinking about Priya… The payout from the Isobel Brooke case was finally clearing.
Priya was heading home once the money landed, and I didn’t know when I’d see her again—probably not for a long time.
I figured we could do one last walk around the city. Maybe grab coffee. Maybe people-watch in the park and complain about men.
“After we left the bar,” Ashton said, his voice careful as he seemed to choose his words.
I turned to look at him. “Did something happen after we left? Right, I forgot, Rhys was still there. I hope someone called the cops on him p>