Piper made a noise. “I hate your father.”

I turned. “Piper —”

“No.” She held her hand up like a traffic cop. “You’re not him.”

“I know that.”

“You’re a better businessman, a better CEO, a better boss than he ever was. You’re also a good friend. And you could have better relationships than him.”

“Are you giving me relationship advice?”

She lifted her chin. “Yes.”

“You don’t do relationships.”

“Because men are… annoying. Present company mostly excluded.”

“Thanks.” Caden’s voice was as dry as dust.

“It’s not just that,” I said. “I grew up without anything but money. I’m okay with that, but Tessa needs someone who knows how to give her a home and love and…”

“There would be two of you in this relationship.” Piper sniffed. “Let her show you how to do that.”

My gut churned. I think she already had been. “I fucked things up.”

“Uh-oh, what did you say?” Piper demanded.

“I suggested we could continue to see each other occasionally. I could fly here sometimes, or she could come and visit me.”

Caden made a sound.

“Like fuck buddies?” Piper slapped a hand to her head. “You idiot.”

“I wasn’t thinking. I could see she was upset that I was leaving, and—” I threw my hands up. “I need to find her.”

That’s when an alarm started blaring. Piper jolted.

Caden shot to his feet. “Fire alarm.”

29. Tessa

Chapter 29

Tessa

I had no one else to blame but myself.

Sitting in my office, I was thankful that Jazz wasn’t here and I hoped whatever task she was doing kept her busy. I wanted to be alone. I walked to the windows and touched my fingers to the glass. I didn’t see all the people outside having a lovely time. I just saw my own blurry reflection.

I’d fallen in love with Ro.

I closed my eyes. My friends had tried to warn me. Enzo had tried to warn me. Even Tristan had tried to warn me.

This pain would dull eventually. I’d survive. I dragged in some deep breaths. He was leaving, but I’d survive.

God, it hurt. There would be no more smiles, no more fairy queens whispered in my ear, no more working together, or waking up together.

I always knew he’d leave.

I pressed my hands to my chest, like I could hold the pieces of my heart together. I’d get over this. I knew what it was to love and lose it. I knew it didn’t kill you.

It hurt like hell, but you stayed breathing whether you wanted to or not.

There was a knock at my door. God. My pulse jumped. I didn’t want to talk to him. Not now.

I turned and saw my aunt. Relief washed over me. “Hi, what are you doing here?”