“Goodnight, everyone.” I force a smile. “Big day tomorrow.”
A chorus of agreements follows.
As everyone hugs and kisses goodnight, I slip into the hallway, hoping I’m quick enough to avoid Zach.
The corridor outside the dining hall is quieter. Stone floors. Soft lantern light. The low murmur of distant voices fading behind me as I move deeper into the castle. My heels click on thestone as I head for the staircase leading to the guest rooms. I’m nearly there. If I can get to my room before Zach catches up—
“Sky.”
His footsteps close the distance behind me quickly, long strides eating the hallway. I reach my door and fumble with the key just as his hand lands beside my shoulder.
“Skylar.”
I close my eyes. “Please don’t.”
“Don’t what?” His breath warms my neck.
“Don’t push me right now.” My voice sounds steadier than I feel. “Tomorrow is Marisol’s wedding. I don’t want to ruin her day.”
His silence stretches behind me, but he doesn’t move. Then he finally says, “Clearly, something is wrong.”
I turn slowly to face him. Up close his expression is impossible to ignore.
Concern. Confusion. A trace of hurt.
“Yes, but we can talk later.” I flick my eyes away.
“Sky.” This time, the way he says my name makes something in my chest twist painfully. “We’re best friends first. If something is bothering you, I need to know.”
The gentleness in his voice makes my resolve wobble. I shake my head once. “Please don’t push.”
“Shutting me out hurts worse than anything you might say.” He doesn’t move. Or step back.
I close my eyes briefly. When I open them again, I push the door to my room wider and step inside.
“Fine.”
He follows me inside. Candlelight from the bedside lamp glows softly across the bed where we spent last night tangled together. The memory of it flashes through my mind with cruel clarity.
I turn to face him. “Who the fuck is Lila?”
Her name thuds like a stone. For a second he simply stares at me. Then he starts laughing.
Not a quiet chuckle. A full, startled chortle.
“You think this isfunny?” My voice cracks despite my effort to keep it steady.
His laughter dies instantly. “No…Sky—”
“Marisol said you were seeing someone last year,” I continue, words rushing out now. “Someone serious. Someone you liked so much she and Julian thought you might finally settle down.”
He stares at me, stunned.
“You never mentioned her tome,” I finish quietly. “Why?”
Silence. Then he exhales slowly and rubs a hand through his hair. “Oh. My, God.”
“What?”
