Page 61 of Queen of Kings

I yank it away. “You lying piece of shit! You never said anything! Nothing this entire time! And now? Now I find out, and I’m supposed to trust you?”

“Jade, I promise you. I didn’t know about this.”

“I don’t believe you. I’ll never believe you.” Gazing back at Bret, he finally looks up at me. “I know how bad you want this, Bret. I do. And I promise you, I’ll help you get it, but if you stay here right now … Please. Please don’t do this to me, too. If I ever meant anything to you … Please?”

I can see the emotion across his face. He’s putting the pieces together and must know there’s something between Austin and me. If Bret ever had any real feelings for me, I think this would be a line he can’t cross. But I’m completely wrong.

He averts his gaze, staring at the table. “I’m sorry … this is my shot. I have to take it.”

I swallow the ball of pain that’s lodged in my throat. Scowling across the table, then back at Austin, all I can do is shake my head. “Fine.”

Spinning around, I march through the restaurant, hearing Austin call out my name one more time. I ignore it. I can’t stand to even look at him right now. Pushing open the doors, I head down the sidewalk, feeling lost and betrayed.