The brunette touches my arm again. “So. are we?—”
“No,” I snap, stepping away.
I grab my jacket and walk out the back exit, into the cold night air.
The silence hits harder than any punch.
I lean against the brick wall, pressing my palms into my eyes.
I just shattered her.
And watching her walk away like that nearly destroyed me.
But if this protects her, if this saves her career…
Then I’ll be the villain.
I’ll be Wild again.
Even if it kills me.
TWENTY-ONE
Amelia
I didn’t know a heart could physically ache the way mine does.
It’s not dramatic. It’s not poetic.
It’s real.
Heavy. Hollow. Constant.
I cried until there were no tears left Friday night. Then I cried again Saturday. And Sunday.
Kamden knocked more than once. Called. Texted.
I’m here if you need me.
I didn’t answer.
I couldn’t.
Because if I started talking about it out loud, it would become real.
And I’m not sure I’m ready for that.
Now it’s Monday morning.
The stadium looms in front of me like it’s daring me to step inside.
My reflection in the glass doors barely looks like me. Puffy eyes hidden behind makeup. Lips pale. Shoulders slumped despite my best effort to stand tall.
I square them anyway.
I am still a professional.
Even if I feel like I’m bleeding internally.
