Page 53 of Vicious Titan

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Victoria

I shouldn’t be here but I couldn’t stay away. Even after Asher told me that Olivia was okay, I need to see for myself. I need to check on her, and I need to make sure Elliot is all right, even if he never wants to speak to me again. I just need to tell him I’m sorry, one last time.

When I reach her room, I peek in, softly knocking when I see her eyes look to me. Tears immediately stream down my face as I move next to her bed.

“Victoria.” She says my name, a weak smile on her face.

I don’t want her to smile at me, I want her to hate me too. “I’m sorry. I tried to scream but it was too late.”

“This is not your fault. I put you in harm’s way, and for that, I’m so sorry. I wanted to keep Elliot safe—and we did—but I’m sorry I put you in the middle.”

“It’s okay.”

“No, it’s not.”

“Where is he? How is he?”

“He’s upset, but he’s okay. And I’ve already explained to him this is all on me.”

“I don’t think that will make much of a difference.” Once something is in his head, there’s no getting it out. He blames me, and I don’t blame him for it. “I should go. I just wanted to see you.”

“Please come back and visit when you can. I’m itching to get back to my art and to have my favorite student back.”

“I’m your only student.”

“You’re so much more than that.”

“Thanks. I’ll try to stop by soon.” I feel bad for lying to her, but I shouldn’t be here. Elliot should be here with his mom.

I hurry out of the room, hoping to avoid the exact person I crash into. His harsh grip steadies me before pushing me away.

“Elliot, I—”

“Don’t stop by soon. Stay as far from her, and me, as you can.”

“I wasn’t planning to come back. She insisted, so I agreed because I didn’t want to upset her.”

“Yes, lying is your way of making things easier.”

“I’m sorry. I did it because I love you. Because I didn’t want to lose you. But it’s fine. I’m fine. The only thing that matters is you and Olivia are alive. That was my way of making my life easier, because I need her and you and your stupid ass alive.” Stepping around him, I hurry away, but he says my name. Against my better judgment, I turn to him, hoping to see anything but the brutal look he has on his face.

“Do not come back here.”

Nodding in agreement, I will keep my side of the bargain because coming back here would be a mistake. Just like falling in love with the guy in front of me had been. “Hopeless.”