“You think I’d risk my neck coming to see you because what? Because I wanted to have sexwith you?”
His gaze drilled into hers. “No, but I thought you might because you still love me. That you wanted to help me finally, even though I told you to stay away.” He chewed his bottom lip. “But you’re right. That’s impossible after what I did.”
Her anger bottomed out, scraping over the well of hurt and heartbreak she hadn’t wanted to acknowledge.Fuck.This was exactly why she was here. To havethisconversation. She was going to punch the fates in the face if she ever met them. Bunch of drama-seeking assholes.
“Whether it’s possible or not, I have to let you go, Topp.” Her voice was so soft she was afraid he wouldn’t hear her, but he nodded, his throat bobbing as he did.
“We were two kids with no idea how to love, and I think, I think we really hurt each other. Probably as much as we loved. You left me on that beach, and we went about everything the wrong way, but I have a job to do and so do you, and I think we need to be able to help each other without this”—she gestured between them—“getting in the way.”
The prince nodded at the table. He looked pained but calm. “Are you with him then?”
Elysia flushed, shaking her head. He laughed bitterly.
“It’s not like that.”
“Sure, it isn’t.” His fingers tapped against his glass, his face hardening into one he used with sycophants and men who followed his father. “Finish telling me everything, Parker. Every last detail of these deals and how they affect Kava.”
She studied him. It was the best response she could have hoped for, but instead of being relieved, she was weary. She had known nothing she could say would break his heart. But she was only now realizing that maybe you weren’t supposed to have to trick or force people into paying attention and caring. Maybe they were supposed to be obsessed with you beyond the taste of your skin or the value that you brought.Dream big, girl.
Elysia motioned to a server and requested another round. The drinks arrived shortly, and Topp whistled at everything she unloaded onto him. He eyed her with renewed intensity that made her hackles come right back up.
Frowning, she snapped at him. “What? Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Because you’re more important than I am.”
She blinked.
“I should helpyou.” He nodded, clearly warming to the idea even as she wanted to shriek and run away.
“No.”
Topp kicked out his long legs, knocking hers. “Why not? If you’re how Kava gets fixed, then my priority should be you. It’s only what’s best for Kava.” He smiled roguishly.
“Topp,no, you can’t help me with this. You just can’t.”
“Why not? Sounds like your voyage is happening topside, and we both know you could damn well use a guard.”
“Excuse you, I can take care of myself.”
His brow creased, eyes darting to the knife harness and dagger on her waist. “You weigh a hundred pounds soaking wet. You’re not going to win every fight no matter howskilledyou are.”
She wasn’t short and had more than enough muscle packedonto her that every bit of his comment was ridiculous. A hundred pounds, her round, muscled butt.
“Kava’s Shadow trained me, himself, you arrogant piece of ass.”
His grin stretched wide. “Did you just call me a piece of ass, Parker? I’m flattered.”
She threw her head back. “Oh my gods. You can’t come with.”
“You’re being unreasonable. Who says two people who used to love and fuck each other can’t work together amicably?”
She stared at him, her mouth half-open in absolute horror. “Me, I say so.”
Topp put a hand over his heart. “I have to do what’s best for Kava, and if following your fine ass around is it, then I’m willing to make that sacrifice.”
“I hate you.”
Laughing, he polished off his second beer. “No, you don’t. You only wish you could.”
