My gaze moved slowly across her face, memorizing the details I had spent five years trying to imagine.
“You changed,” I said.
“That tends to happen when five years pass.”
The sarcasm didn’t hide the tension beneath it.
“Rhodes,” I continued thoughtfully. “Interesting choice.”
“How many times do I have to tell you?” she snapped. “My life is none of your fucking business anymore.”
I took another step closer.
“You married him?”
Her expression hardened instantly.
“That’s not your concern.”
“That wasn’t a no.”
“Stop interrogating me.”
I let out a breath through my nose.
“You know what’s funny?”
“I’m sure you’re about to tell me.”
“I spent five years thinking I lost you because I didn’t search far enough.”
Her eyes flickered slightly.
“And now?” she asked.
Now.The word carried more weight than she probably intended.
“Now I’m standing in front of you,” I said slowly, “and I’m realizing something even worse.”
Her brows tightened.
“What?”
“That you actually thought disappearing would make me give up.”
Her lips parted.
“I didn’t disappear to play games with you.”
“I know.”
The admission surprised her again.
“You disappeared because you were hurt.”
Her voice hardened.
“You’re damn right I was hurt.”
