Chapter 111

We get to the airfield in the dark. Marissa travels with us, invading my territory, and I resent her presence. She’s wearing Jake’s sunglasses over her pale face, despite the late hour; I’m guessing she has puffy eyes from crying, and even that tiny little detail causes me so much internal trauma. Those glasses are always meant for me, not her.

She looks effortlessly seductive in a clingy cream dress that showcases her curves and long, curled hair. She hasn’t said one word since the tense meeting in the room, our drive over here done in hostile silence. I avoid looking at her and at him. He’s ushering her onto the plane like some petulant child, his hand occasionally touching her lightly to guide her, burning my soul. Since he left my room, his manner towards me has been cool and distant, and I can’t stand it.

Maybe it’s better like this. There’s been icy silence, avoidance of eye contact between us, and an atmosphere so thick you could slice it with a knife. Marissa is