Chapter 17: Chapter 17

I wake up before dawn. Every part of my body hurts, but I don’t let that stop me as I climb out of bed and stagger to the dress we discarded at some point. I don’t know where my black dress is, so this will have to do.

I pause in the doorway and look back, determined to memorize this moment. Shane is sprawled on his back, the sheets bunched around his waist, his broad chest on display. It’s almost enough to tempt me back to bed. To pretend our deadline hasn’t come. To take him up on everything he’s offering me.

I can’t.

I just…can’t.

“Lily.”

I jump. “I didn’t realize you were awake.”

“I was the moment you moved.”

I shift, torn between walking out the door and running back to the bed. “I have to go, Shane. I…”

“It’s too soon.” He sits up. “You need time to work through your shit.”

“Yes.” I exhale in something like grief. “It’s a lot of shit.” It will take longer than seven days to get over this. It’s not even getting over Max as much as it’s getting over the failed relationship. I need time and space to process, but I don’t know how long it will take. “I can’t ask you to wait for me.”

“You don’t have to.” He drags his hand through his hair. “You’re it for me, Lily. I’ll wait as long as you need.”

My chest aches, but I don’t argue. I don’t ask him what happens if he’s waiting forever. “I’m going to go.”

“I’ll walk you out.”

“No.” I take a quick step back, even though he’s barely shifted. “If you get up, I’m going to second-guess myself and then I’ll end up on your cock again. Which means we’ll be having an identical conversation next time we surface.”

He curses softly. “Text me when you get home.”

I don’t tell him that even that much communication is probably crossing a line. “I will.” I pause. “Do you want the videos?”

Shane holds my gaze. “Only when you’re ready to start again. Send them to me when you’re ready to be mine, baby girl.”

“Yes, Daddy,” I whisper.

And then I flee.