Chapter 72
Chapter 72
“That’s not what I meant….” Tristan started, but I cut him off.
45%
“Isn’t it?” I laughed, but there was no humor in it. “Because it sounded pretty clear to me. Poor little Athena, still the same immature girl she’s always
been. Still running from her problems instead of facing them like a grown woman
“ What? Athena, that’s not …. ”
“No, you’re right,” I interrupted again, backing away from him. “I am exactly what you said I am. I’m a coward who runs when things get difficult. So
congratulations, you figured me out p>
Tristan stepped toward me, his hands raised like he was approaching a wild animal. “You’re twisting my words. I was frustrated because you won’t talk
to me about what’s bothering you p>
‘Why should I talk to you?” I shot back. “So you can tell me I’m being childis? So you can remind me what a disappointment I am? ”
“You’re not a disappointment p>
“ Really?” I laughed bitterly. “Because five minutes ago you were listing all the ways I haven’t changed since I was eighteen. Running away, acting like a
child, hiding from my problems. Did I miss anything? ”
I know I was exaggerating, but I wanted him to know how much his words hurt.
The hurt in my chest was so intense it felt like something was physically tearing inside me.
This was Tristan – the person I trusted more than anyone, the man I’d been falling in love with all over again – and he was throwing my worst moments
back in my face.
This is why I can’t let myself love him. Because eventually, he’ll always see me as the broken girl who needs to be fixed, not as an equal worthy of
respect.
‘I was angry, ” Tristan said, his voice softer now. “I said things I didn’t mean Hecause I was frustrated that you won’t talk to me p>
‘Because I won’t talk to you?” I stared at him in disbelief. “You think calling the childish and immature will make me open up to you p>
‘I think you shutting me out and refusing to communicate is childish,” he sa, and immediately I could see he regretted the words.
“There it is again,” I said, my voice deadly calm now. Your real opinion of m
“That’s not what I think of you,” he said desperately. “You know that’s not what I think of you.” I know he was fraustrated, Good. Because I was too.
‘Do I?” I asked. ‘Because from where I’m standing, it sounds like you still see me as Orion’s little sister who needs to be protected from herself. The gul who makes bad decisions and runs away when consequences catch up with her p>
‘You’re putting words in my mouth p>
‘I’m repeating the words that came out of your mouth!” I exploded. You call me childish! You said I run and hide like I always do! Those were your words, not mine p>
I’ve been such an idiot. Thinking he could see me as anything other than a den, a responsibility he inherited when my parents died.
I need to get out of here before this gets any worse. Before we say things we can never take back.
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19:35 Tue, Jan 6 = T
Chapter 72
THEA
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I turned and started walking toward the exit again, but this time Tristan didit follow me. Maybe he finally understood that I needed space, or maybe he was just tired of dealing with his childish, immature sister.
“ Athena,” he called after me, but his voice was resigned now, not demanding
“Don’t,” I said without turning around. “Just don’t. I need time to think about everything you just said to me p>
I walked out of that hospital feeling like something fundamental had been broken between us.
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Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.