Perfect Bastard (by Mary D. Sant) novel Chapter 122

Chapter 122: He’s Not Over Her

ELLIE

My stomach twisted. It had to be some kind of joke from fate, though

I didn’t believe in it.

Ethan still stood beside me, silent, and I wondered if he was ever

going to say something. The look on his face told me he was far from

comfortable. Maybe it was more than that.

The way his jaw suddenly tightened confirmed my suspicions–he

wasn’t just uncomfortable; he was upset.

Just by looking at his face, I could understand exactly what he was

feeling: anger, indignation, contempt, and, deep down, a bit of pain-

all at once. And I understood him because I had been in that exact

place before.

Part of me immediately worried about how this might affect him,

while another, deeper part feared how it could impact us.

Deciding that was something to worry about later, I focused on what

seemed more important at the moment.

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Chapter 122: He’s Not Over Her

“Ethan?” I called, breaking the silence that had stretched on too long.

All the emotions I had noticed before seemed to vanish from his gaze

when he turned his attention to me.

“Give me a second,” he said, brushing his hand along the curve of my

waist before pulling away.

I watched, a little confused, as he stepped forward, blocking the

blonde from my view with his body.

What was he doing?

I couldn’t even hear what he was saying anymore; all I could see was

the tension in his shoulders.

And suddenly, it just didn’t matter. It didn’t matter what he was

saying to her. Not when he had just left me behind–not just literally.

His behavior revealed what I feared most.

He still hadn’t moved on. He wasn’t over her.

The realization hit me with such crushing force that I couldn’t keep

watching. I needed air.

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Chapter 122: He’s Not Over Her

Stopping on the sidewalk outside the bar, I took a deep breath and

stepped away from the entrance until all the noise faded. I wished I

could do the same with my thoughts.

The cold breeze grazed my face, and I had to fight the urge to cry. I

was feeling so many different emotions that I couldn’t even

understand them properly. It was suffocating.

Why did she have to show up now? Why couldn’t she just stay in the

past? That way, I could keep pretending everything was fine–that he

really was ready, just like he said.

But now I knew it wasn’t true. He wasn’t ready. He was still haunted

by his past.

And that meant I had to face the possibility that this dream we were

living might have to be put on hold.

All the happiness I had felt up until just moments ago seemed to be

falling apart, slipping through my fingers.

Once again, it felt like we were back to square one, and I didn’t know

if I had the strength to deal with this anymore.

“Hey?” he called, making me turn as he approached the sidewalk with

long strides.

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Chapter 122: He’s Not Over Her

Yet again, I had to take a deep breath just to keep myself from falling

apart at the sight of him.

“What are you doing ou here? Why did you leave?” he asked, stopping

in front of me, his hands sliding up my arms in a soothing caress. “Are

you okay?”

Concern shone in his brown eyes.

“Yeah. I just… thought it’d be easier for you if I stepped out,” I lied.

“What are you talking about? Why would I want that?”

“It’s fine. I just thought-” I softened.

“Then don’t think, okay?”

I nodded.

“It’s cold out here. Let’s go back inside,” he said, taking my hand.

“Wait.” I stopped him. “We don’t have to.”

“I thought you wanted to dance,” he said, a faint smile tugging at the

corner of his lips.

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Chapter 122: He’s Not Over Her

“I… I’m tired. I think we should go.”

“Please, don’t do this,” he whispered, cupping my face. “Don’t start

acting like this because of that.”

“I really just need to rest,” I looked away, feeling my emotions

consume me.

“Okay… We made a deal, remember? Just talk to me. Just tell me what

you’re feeling.”

I breathed deeply, closing my eyes for a moment to regain composure.

“Fine. I will,” I said, pulling his hands away. “When you do the same,”

I declared, holding his gaze before walking around him.

I heard him let out a deep sigh as I walked away, leaving him behind

on the sidewalk. But soon, I heard his footsteps following me.

“Can we talk now?” he asked after closing the hotel room door.

Fortunately, he had stayed silent the entire walk back, but

unfortunately, it hadn’t been enough time for me to sort out my

thoughts.

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Chapter 122: He’s Not Over Her

“I think I was clear enough,” I said, slipping off my coat and sinking

onto the corner couch to remove my shoes.

“Oh, babe. Clear is the last thing you’re being,” he said, taking off his coat as well. “You’re just running away like you always do, as if that’s

going to solve whatever the problem is.”

“Whatever the problem is?” I forced a sarcastic smile, holding his gaze. “You’re the problem,” I stated, standing up. “Lying to me and to yourself this whole time. But you know what? I’m done with this.” I turned my back on him and walked toward the bathroom.

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