The Last Time I Cried Your Name novel Chapter 345

Petty’s cheeks burned with a rush of humiliation and anger. Seriously, what is wrong with this guy?

She turned away, squeezing her eyes shut. Over and over, she told herself she just needed sleep. If she didn’t rest, she’d have no energy—simple as that.

Who knows how long she drifted in and out before she finally crashed, completely spent. At one point, she snapped awake, glancing across the room at the man slumped on the other couch. He didn’t move, didn’t make a sound. Only then did she let herself drift back into deep, heavy sleep.

The helicopter touched down so slowly it felt like a dream. When Petty finally woke up, sunlight was already pouring through the window.

All around her, endless blue stretched as far as she could see. Just ahead, a small island appeared like a secret waiting to be discovered.

As the helicopter landed, every detail of the island sharpened into view. At first, she braced herself, half-expecting the place to look like that deserted, ruined spot near the border from last time. But no. This island was nothing like that bleak wasteland.

Lush, green trees rustled everywhere. Sunlight sparkled off a clear lake at the island’s heart. Flowers spilled over the landscape in wild, colorful patches. A sweet, clean scent drifted on the sea breeze.

In the middle of it all, surrounded by brilliant flowers, stood a stunning, elegant villa. It was almost unreal.

…

Back at The Glades, Laura paced restlessly, phone glued to her hand. She tried Franco’s number again and again, but still couldn’t get through.

She’d already been home since last night. Franco had to know that. So why hadn’t he come to see her? Had he heard nothing? Did he even care that she’d nearly been killed last night?

The more she thought about it, the more anxious and irritable she grew. Where the hell was Franco? Did he not realize how desperate she was to see him?

Even the housekeeper kept her distance, probably afraid of her moody energy. Laura barely ate, just kept calling Franco in endless rounds. When that failed, she hunted for Jay’s number and tried him, too, but all she got was silence.

It wasn’t until late evening that, on another try, someone finally picked up.

Jay didn’t hesitate. “Since you’re so desperate for answers, I’ll give you one. You knew Franco wanted your blood, so you thought you could control him. But you messed up. You made your move too soon. Now, we’ve found someone better.”

Someone better.

Laura’s mind echoed with those words like a curse. Over and over, they rang in her ears.

“I’m the only one who matters to Franco!” she whispered, nearly out of her mind.

A dangerous glint lit up her eyes. Her voice dropped to a trembling hush. “Who is it?”

She didn’t care who it was. Whoever stood in her way, she would destroy them. Franco would never need anyone else’s blood, only hers.

Whatever Franco wanted from her, she would give. No one, absolutely no one, was going to take her place.