I drag my thumb across the tear, shaking my head slowly before giving her a small, curt nod. I can’t make any promises—not to her, not even to myself. But her certainty sinks in enough to make my chest ache.
Catalina watches me for another long moment, then her mouth curls into that sly grin. “Okay, but… since we’re being honest—how’s the sex?”
I choke on my tea, almost spilling it on the counter. “Catalina…”
She smirks wider. “What? I’m allowed to ask.”
Before I can get another word out, Carter steps into the kitchen, his broad shoulders filling the doorway as his blue eyes narrow in on his wife. “The hell are you pryin’ into my brother’s sex life for?”
Catalina lifts her chin, “Relax, cowboy. I’m just making sure your brother is satisfying my best friend.”
His jaw flexes, that dangerous look crossing his face. “You don’t need to know a damn thing about what my brother’s doin’.”
She grins into her iced tea. “Aw, look at you. All jealous.”
He stalks closer, his big hand wrapping around her jaw, tilting her head back. His voice drops into that gravelly drawl that makes my cheeks heat even though it’s not directed at me. “Remember what that smart mouth gets you, darlin’.”
Catalina smirks right up at him, not breaking a sweat. “Yeah, me bent over the counter, screaming your name.”
“Fuck, Catalina,” Carter growls, so low it vibrates through the room. He crashes his mouth against hers,kissing her like he doesn’t care I’m sitting two feet away, trying not to throw up into my hands.
I groan, covering my face with both hands. “Oh my God.Can you two not?!”
Catalina laughs against his mouth, pulling back just enough to shoot me a wink before she turns her attention right back to him. He mutters something hot and low against her lips that I can’t even process, because my brain is short-circuiting from watching their chaos.
Catalina looks back at me, smug as hell, she says, “See, Amelia? That’s love. Messy, loud, a little unhinged. You should try letting yourself have it.”
I scoff at that. Love... Love is just something to hold over someone and use as a crutch to fucking hurt you.
Catalina’s eyes narrow again as she studies me. I’m swirling the ice in my glass like it might drown out my thoughts, but it doesn’t. The ache in my chest only grows louder.
“Catalina…” My voice cracks, and I hate it. I squeeze the glass tighter, staring at the emerald sparkling on my finger. “I can’t do this. The marriage isn’t even?—”
I snap my mouth shut, panic flaring hot in my chest.
Her brows lift, her whole face sharpening. “The marriage isn’t what?”
I shake my head, eyes darting down. “Nothing. Forget it. I just… I can’t do this right now.”
She places her glass down with a sharp clink, arms crossing as she pins me with that look. “So what, you’re going to ignore him? Pretend he doesn’t exist?”
“I just need—” My throat closes. “Can I stay here for a couple of days?”
Her expression shifts, the hardness softening for abreath because no matter how fiery she is, Catalina’s still my best friend.
She exhales, moving closer and setting a hand on my arm. “Fine. “You can stay here,” she says, her tone sharpening, “but Amelia, he’s also my brother-in-law.” Don’t fucking hurt him. Because if you do, I’ll have to hit you. And you know I’ll do it.”
I nod, forcing a tight smile, but my chest sinks under the weight of her words. I glance away, unable to meet her gaze.
Inside, the truth cuts sharp as glass in my chest.
This is what I do best. I ruin good things. So I do what I do best.
I run.
The next morning,sunlight streams through Catalina’s kitchen window, reflecting off the emerald ring as if it’s mocking me. I hold a mug between my palms, steam rising, but I haven’t taken a single sip. My stomach has been in knots since last night.
My phone buzzes against the counter. Again.
