For the past week, I’d ignored Blake’s calls, even though I really wanted to answer them. I was afraid he was going to let me go and by not talking to him, I didn’t have to hear it. But now I knew he was coming for me, and that meant I had to end the ruse with Nick—breaking his heart in the process.
Taking a deep breath, I turned to him and took his hand. “Nick, you know I care about you, right?”
Sighing, he set his beer down. “You’re breaking up with me, aren’t you? I knew this was coming.”
“Technically, we weren’t really going out.”
“What happened? Ever since you came back, you’ve been different. You barely let me touch you.”
I nodded. “I know and I’m sorry. I didn’t want to tell you on the phone and it’s been killing me not to tell you since I’ve been back. I just hadn’t figured everything out yet, and the last thing I wanted to do was hurt you.”
He waved me on. “Spit it out, so we can get this over with.”
Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and let it out slowly. “I met someone.”
His eyes widened. “Met someone? Who? You’ve been in protective custody!” When I didn’t answer, he let go of my hand. “Holy fuck, you have to be kidding me. You fell for your bodyguard?”
“He’s actually an undercover cop. And I didn’t want to fall for him, it just happened.”
Jaw tense, he shot to his feet. “And does he care about you?”
I sighed. “He loves me, Nick. He’s coming for me. Look, I don’t want to lose you over this. You’re my friend, my best friend.” Shaking his head, he stormed off through the gardens and disappeared into the darkness. “Nick, wait!”
“What’s with all the yellin’?” Tristan asked. He’d walked up to me, followed by Kip and Dawson.
I pointed to where Nick disappeared. “He’s pissed at me. Will you guys make sure he doesn’t do anything stupid? I know how he gets when he drinks.”
Kip laughed. “What did you do, break up with him?” He lifted the beer to his lips and stopped when I glared at him. “Fucking shit, did you?”
I rolled my eyes. “It’s a long story, but yes. I don’t want him out there, drinking alone. You guys tend to get stupid when you’re drunk and angry.”
“Maybe these assholes,” Tristan replied. “I’m playing it sober tonight. Don’t worry though, we’ll take care of him.”
“Thanks, guys. And thank you for helping me move into my apartment. There was no way I could stay at my house after what happened.”
Kip and Dawson sandwiched me in a hug. “You’re welcome,” they said, before letting me go.
Tristan pulled me in next and blew out a sigh. “Do you need a ride?”
“No, I’ll be fine. If you hadn’t noticed, there’s a giant mammoth of a man watching us from a few yards away. He used to be a fighter in Ireland.”
Tristan glanced over my shoulder and chuckled. “I see. Guess your dad wants to make sure you’re protected. Looks like a solid choice.”
“Yeah, but I don’t want to be followed around for the rest of my life.”
“You’ll get used to it. Sometimes it’s for the best.”
He hugged me again and Kip whistled. “Come on dude, let’s go.”
All three guys waved and disappeared into the darkness. My heart hurt for Nick, but I couldn’t play pretend with him forever. Hopefully, he would understand.
“Miss Rivers, is it true you ended things with Nick Myers last night? Our sources say you cheated on him. What do you say about that?”
Connor pushed his way through the crowd and growled, “I say you get out of her face, now.” His Irish accent was thick and I doubted any of the reporters could tell what he said, but they moved out of his way. It was either that or get trampled. My dad had made sure to pick a bodyguard I wouldn’t be interested in.
Mission accomplished.
“Almost through,” Connor grunted.
The second I got off the plane in New York, it had been constant badgering about my failed relationship with Nick. Felicity wasn’t happy and I could see her fuming every time someone shouted another question at me.