The only problem was the only way off the island was by hisprivate yacht. She slipped on her sandals and turned to him. He still stood in the center of the room, dumbfounded.
“I’m going to need you to take me to Nassau,” she said.
“Now?”
“Yes, now.”
“But…why?”
“Because I have to get off this godforsaken island and find my sisters. I think they’re in trouble,” she said. Then she took a deep breath, expelled it. “I’m going to Scotland.”
“Scotland?” he repeated. Then he started to laugh like it was the best joke.
Fury pounded through her. “Yes, Scotland. That’s where they are. I need to find them.”
What was the point of telling him? He wouldn’t believe her. He didn’t even believe they existed. And that was on her. She was the one who kept everything locked inside, the one who never let anyone close. Concrete barriers around her heart kept her safe, sure—but at what cost?
She clutched her suitcase so tightly her hand cramped. If he wasn’t going to take her off this island, she’d have to find another way. Huffing, she started for the door, shoving past him.
He grabbed her arm as she breezed by, halting her. She looked up at him, met his gaze gleaming with anger and confusion.
“Just like that? You’re leaving?” he asked.
He didn’t seem to comprehend the suitcase in her hand or the determination pumping through her.
“Yes, I’m leaving. If you’re not going to take me to Nassau, I’ll find another way.”
His mouth twitched into a faint grin. “You will, huh?”
She jerked her arm free. “I’ve enjoyed your company but now it’s time for me to go.”
“For these phantom sisters of yours. Sure.Okay. I’ll play.” He folded his arms across his bare chest, his smirk like a knife to her patience. “When are you coming back?”
Her anger flared, scorching and uncontrollable. She took a step closer, her voice sharp enough to cut. “Coming back? Oh, I didn’t realize you were worried about losing your favorite toy. Is that all I am to you? A distraction to pass the time?”
He frowned. “It’s not like that, Bri—”
“Then what is it like?”
He was silent as he pressed his lips together, his gaze searching hers. As though he were looking for answers or the truth. The air whooshed out of her as her shoulders drooped.
“You don’t believe me.”
“How can I believe you when you never even mentioned sisters? You’ve never told me much about yourself except that you’re from Texas. I don’t even know your birthday or your favorite color.”
He was right. Six months together, and she’d kept her life locked away, hidden behind walls he’d never even tried to breach. She’d given him bits and pieces—a few underwater photos, stolen intimate moments, sips of his expensive wine. But most of her time was spent on the beach, not in his house. She’d used him as much as he’d used her.
And that was intentional. Feelings were a liability, a weakness she couldn’t afford. She’d built walls around her heart, brick by unyielding brick, each one a hard-earned defense. Letting those walls crumble for him? Never. He wasn’t the settling-down kind. He was a playboy through and through, and if she stayed, he’d shatter her heart into pieces.
“I’m sorry, Grayson. But I really have to go.”
She spun on her heel and headed for the door, the suitcase bumping along behind her. Everything she owned was crammed into that single case. Her whole life, reduced to a suitcase and a carry-on. The thought tightened her chest.
He didn’t try to stop her as she made her way through the house, down the stairs, and to the front door. How the hell was she going to get off this island?
She flung open the door and stomped into the late morning sun, the warm Caribbean breeze fluttering through her long hair, lifting it from her shoulders.
The luxury car he drove sat in the driveway, gleaming in the morning sun. If only she’d thought to grab his keys, she’d be on her way to the dock. Then she could take his yacht to the port and get to the airport and get out.
