Chapter 82
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Still, I hesitate. “I need to…I shouldn’t-“I sigh again. “June will be worried that I haven’t come to the room.”
Nathan tugs gently, and I let myself be pulled into his arms. He gently brushes aside a lock of wet hair. “I can’t-” His voice breaks, and my heart breaks at the sound. “I can’t let you go–not like this.”
His green eyes are a tumultuous sea that threatens to drown me, and suddenly, nothing else matters.
Because, despite how hurt and betrayed I feel, I can’t let him go either–not like this.
“Okay?” I whisper.
“Okay?” he repeats hopefully.
I nod.
A soft, relieved smile pulls his lips to the side, and he takes my hand, leading me up the stairs to the forbidden west wing.
My heart pounds as we climb, and when we reach the hallway, I feel like one of the doors will open and reveal an Ashford family member yelling at me for trespassing.
That doesn’t happen, though, and Nathan stops in front of a door almost at the end of the hallway.
I can’t help the soft gasp that escapes me when I enter Nathan’s room.
For starters, it’s bigger than my entire apartment. There’s a huge king–sized bed in the middle of the room that looks like if I sank into it, I’d never be able to get up. Framing the bed on either side are two large floor–to–ceiling windows with dark green drapes.
I don’t know how, since this isn’t the last floor, but the ceiling is vaulted and arched with black wood paneling. The entire room is a mix of dark green and black, giving it a moody yet elegant atmosphere.
There’s a seating area to the far side of the room with sophisticated armchairs and couches, which I doubt Nathan has ever sat in.
To the other end is a professional–looking gaming set–up with separate RGB ambient lighting. I count three massive screens in front of a premium gaming chair.
I suddenly feel small. This is what Nathan’s room looks like, and I made him sleep in my shabby room with the creaky fan. And now I’m dripping all over his plush carpet.
“Here.” Nathan’s soft voice pulls me out of my mind before I sink further into self–consciousness.
I turn to see him holding out a towel on top of a folded t–shirt and shorts.
“You could just give me my sweatshirt,” I mumble as I take the clothes.
He offers me a small smile. “I thought we were both starting a collection.”
I swallow hard, remembering the jacket I left behind in my room. The thought of going home to that one reminder, knowing it’s over,
1/2
15:11 Mon, Oct 6
Chapter 82
makes tears brim in my eyes.
ASO
1 geshire to the clothes. “Wh where can I change?”
“Right. Through there.” Nathan points to the open doors to his of course walk–in closet.
As the door closes behind me, I take in a breath, inhaling Nathan’s scent, which fills the room. The closet is twice the size of my ro and arranged immaculately. I don’t know if Nathan is neat of his maid is very thorough.
As I strip out of my damp clothes, I try not to think about the conversation waiting for me outside. And about the fact that no matter how it ends, I’m still eliminated.
Just as I pull the plain black t–shirt over my head, something against the closet’s back wall catches my attention.
1 frown, stepping closer to get a better look.
It’s a bright blue satin box with a pink bow. It’s the only item positioned on the only shelf on the wall–like a trophy.
Familiarity niggles me the closer I get, and when it’s right in front of me, my eyes widen.
No. Fucking. Way.
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