“I don’t give a fuck about what he wants. I did what I thought was best for you. You deserved a good education. After how much you struggled in Stetbourg, do you think I could let him pull you out of the one place that could change your future?”
“I should’ve known,” Kaia whispered. “I should’ve known he was behind it. Instead of telling me the truth, you played into his hands. You didn’t think I deserved to decide what I wanted.”
“Because I knew what you would’ve chosen.” My pulse hammered against my temples. “Look at me, peque. Look me in the eye and tell me you wouldn’t have chosen me. Tell me you would’ve chosen your education.”
She shook her head, groaning. “God, this is… You’re right,” she admitted. “You made me happy. You were the one person I counted on. Of course, I would’ve chosen you.”
“And I couldn’t have forgiven myself if you had. It wouldn’t be fair for you to give up your dreams for me. It’s your education, your future.”
Kaia twisted a silver ring on her finger. “I hate what he did. And yes, he paid for Willowbrook—but not my college.”
Shock rippled through me. “What?”
She shrugged as if it was nothing. “I took out loans after he started talking about how much my college would cost him.”
I couldn’t believe she’d done that. Couldn’t believe he’d let her. The hypocrite made me leave her—so he could stop supporting her?
“And he just let you?” I asked. “Didn’t even try to change your mind?”
She leaned back, sighing. “He told me not to go to him if I couldn’t pay what I borrowed. I guess he thought I was bluffing, that I’d crawl back after a month. But I share an apartment with Alba. It’s hers, so no rent. And I teach dance to cover my expenses. I finally feel free, Ash.” Her voice quivered. “He doesn’t control me anymore.”
Years of neglect had scarred her regardless. He’d hurt her, but so had I.
“Please forgive me,” I whispered, standing.
Kaia stayed still. I knelt in front of her and took her cold hands in mine, pressing kisses to every knuckle. She sniffled—a small sound that crushed me more than any words.
“Please, don’t,” I murmured, caging her hands between mine. “Don’t cry. I don’t want you to ever cry because of me.”
“Not because of you.” She rubbed the tattoo on my wrist. “Because we lost so much time. It’s still hard to believe you haven’t been with anyone but me in two years. What about dates?”
Dates. I would’ve laughed if I wasn’t sure she’d take it wrong.
“Look at the wall. On your left.”
She turned her head, her gaze catching on her reflection in the gold-framed mirror.
“You’re looking at the only person I’ve ever wanted,” I said. “You’re my first and only love. Do you really think I’d pay attention to anyone else? I didn’t go on dates because I only wanted you. I still only want you.”
“What if I had?” She stroked my wrist with her thumb. “What if I’ve been with someone?”
My heart skipped a beat. It would hurt—but this wasn’t about me. I brought her hands to my mouth. “It would be my fault,” I whispered against her skin. “I left you. I made you believe I’d gone for a better team. I wasn’t honest, and I’d never blame you for my mistakes.”
Would I be sick with jealousy? Of course. But I couldn’t judge her for moving on when our breakup had been my fault.
She slipped her hand from mine and ran her fingers through my hair, lightly scraping her nails over my scalp. Goosebumps erupted across my skin. “I’m not sure I believe you, seeing how you appeared at the coffee shop when I was there with Kyle.”
“I don’t think mentioning him right now is a good idea.”
She giggled, the sound light and unmistakably her. “Pobre peque. Who would’ve thought one of the most famous racers in the world is jealous of Kyle from my college.”
I groaned. “Fuck, I forgot he was at your college. Can we make him transfer?”
She shook her head. “I think I need a friend, so I’ll keep him.”
“I can be your friend. I can be your everything. Kyle needs to disappear.”
Kaia framed my face in her palms. “You’ve got nothing to worry about. I’ve only been with you. And I think you can handle knowing Kyle is at my college. I could’ve been with someone while we were apart, but I made a choice. I still chose you, like you chose me.”
