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He turned and stared at her. “I wondered that myself. Someone with your energy might be able to help any Lillip. Not in the same way you affect me, but you could sooth her.”

“I’ll do it! If I can help you, I can help her. You can have your mom back. We can all be together.”

Talyn dropped her hand. “You left me once. You’ll do it again. I’m not trapping you. I’m letting you go. You’re free, Sinead. You’re free from me and free from all of this. You’ll have a great life and be happy.”

“Not without you. Please, Talyn, stay with me. We can do this together.” Sinead reached for his hand again, but he shook his head and tucked his hands under his armpits.

“You’re released. You won’t ever see me again. That’s my decision.”

Her throat tightened when she saw the determination on his face. “I thought you wanted me.”

He shook his head. “I don’t want you. I can’t rely on you. You have no place in my life. You must leave. By staying, you’re only damaging me more.”

Sinead licked her lips, her heart aching and her vision blurry with tears. Talyn had rejected her. He’d rejected their life together. “I don’t want that. And if you really don’t want me, I’m not going to force you. As you said, we both deserve to be free.”

Talyn looked away and gave a single nod. “Have a good life, Sinead.”

She took one long look at him, committing his image to her memory as tears fell from her eyes and onto his bed sheets. She stood slowly and left the room, her heart shattering as she walked away from the guy who could have changed her life.

Chapter 20

The sheets felt cool under Talyn’s cheek. He turned onto his side and stared at the cream wall in the room he’d spent the night in.

Despite the ridiculous amount of drugs they’d fed him throughout the night, he hadn’t slept much. It wasn’t because of the emotions he felt or the pain that stabbed in his brain. He hadn’t been able to stop thinking about Sinead.

Talyn pulled himself into a seated position, his movements sluggish. He still couldn’t believe Sinead had turned up yesterday and demanded he didn’t go through with the expunge.

She’d only come because she’d felt an obligation to help him and reassure him that everything would be okay. He shook his head. Sinead had only said all those things because she pitied him.

Talyn stroked his fingers over the palm of his hand, remembering her touch and how it had soothed him. But his head had been a drug-addled mess, and he hadn’t been able to pick out her emotions and see if she was being honest. Sinead had been clear that they had no future together. Why would she change her mind?

Despite the room being pleasantly warm, Talyn felt cold. He could feel the remnants of Sinead’s energy. It was so bright; it felt like a spotlight shining in his eyes. She had no idea how strong she was. Even though she was no longer here, her energy bounced around him like a beacon. He would miss her vitality and strength. And he’d miss her laugh and that silky, soft hair that he loved to touch.

As much as he’d resisted making physical contact with Sinead yesterday, he’d given in. It was a cruel, beautiful reminder of something he could never have.

If there was a single memory he wanted to retain after his expunge, it would be Sinead’s touch. When he was around her, she was the only thing he focused on. Everything else was muted. She made life worth it. But that was gone. He wouldn’t keep her in his life because she felt sorry for him.

Sinead was the kind of person who’d help anyone in distress, inconveniencing herself by doing so. That was not the life Talyn ever wanted her to have. This way, she was free.

Talyn recalled his last words to her, and a bitter taste filled his mouth. He’d been an asshole. He’d dismissed her when all he’d wanted to do was wrap her in his arms and tell her to stay forever. As much as it had hurt to say those words, it was the best thing for Sinead. He’d felt the throb of her pain when he’d rejected her, but he didn’t deserve to have her in his life. They had different futures. It was time to embrace his, so they could both move on.

He shuffled to the edge of the bed, and after a moment of dizziness, forced himself to stand and dress. He had one more goodbye to say.

Talyn left his room, keeping his balance by sliding a hand along the wall as he wobbled to the reception. “I’m going to my ship for a few moments.”

“Do you need assistance?” the receptionist asked.

“I’m fine. I’ll take it slowly.” Talyn inhaled deeply as he stepped outside. The warm air and early morning sunlight felt good on his skin. He closed his eyes and tried to enjoy the sensations, but his head hurt too much.

He sighed and stumbled toward Booby. Next to her was a small, dark-gray ship that hadn’t been there yesterday. His attention shifted to the ramp that descended from the side of Booby. Talyn smiled. She was always keeping an eye out for him.

Every step felt like a mammoth effort as he clambered up the ramp. “Hi, Booby. How’s it going?”

“All systems are operational. If you wish for us to leave, I can depart immediately.”

He chuckled softly to himself. “That’s a nice offer, but I’ll decline. We’re here now. It’s time to get this over with. This should have been done a long time ago.”

Booby’s lights pulsed gently around him. “That is something we have to disagree on.”