Page 313 of Eight of Swords, Part Two

‘What?’

‘Doesn’t matter.’

‘Don’t tell me what does or doesn’t matter. I get to decide.’

‘Decide whatever you want, but we can’t talk about this.’

His break over, Lachlan gets back up and goes to the weights, hoping it’ll encourage Jules to leave, knowing full well he won’t.

‘You really hate yourself, don’t you?’

‘I don’t hate myself.’

‘You train until your hands bleed. You don’t sleep. You barely eat unless Blaire puts food in front of you. You walk around this place like you’re waiting for death.’

‘That’s a little dramatic.’

‘And you’re a fucking liar. I begged you not to lie to me. Do you even remember?’

‘I remember, Jules.’

‘Then how could you do that?’

‘Because I’m not a child bound by fairy tales and pinky promises,’ he snaps, patience fraying. ‘I’m your bodyguard first and foremost, and I work for your father. My regard for you—’

‘Regard?!’

‘—isn’t in question. It never will be. But you’re going to marry Savannah Alderwyck, and I am a private indulgence you’ll be expected to outgrow.’

‘Who the fuck are you? Do you even hear yourself? You sound like him!’

Lachlan examines the blood on his knuckles, not yet clotted.

‘It’s reality.’

‘Lachlan.’ Jules moves closer. ‘He can’t hear us. Please. Please just look at me, whisper to me, show me that you understand.’

‘You should go.’

‘I won’t. I know you love me.’

‘It’s not safe, Jules.’

‘Love isn’t safe.’

‘It’s my job to keep you safe.’

‘From you?’

Lachlan looks away. ‘Maybe, yeah.’

‘I feel like I can’t reach you anymore.’

‘It’s better that you don’t.’

‘I love you. I fucking love you. Why won’t you open your heart to me?’

‘You can’t come in here and say shit like that!’