Chapter 72

Amelia

I watch as Nickolas walks away into the surrounding woods, his broad back and powerful stride a stark contrast to the aching hollowness settling in my chest. I can scarcely believe what just transpired between us, what he said after we just had sex. I know we’re not typical mates. That one night of passion doesn’t automatically transform us into some fairytale couple. But that doesn’t make his words any less like a bullet tearing through my heart.

Tears sting at the backs of my eyes, but I blink them away furiously, refusing to let them fall. I won’t cry over him over this. I wanted this, wanted him in a way that terrifies me. And I knew going into it that one passionate night could never be enough to change the fundamental truth of what we are to each other.

Sniffling, I bend to retrieve my tattered dress from the forest floor, grimacing at the state of the once-lovely garment. As I make to pull it over my head, strong hands grip my wrists, halting m