Page 264 of The Grand Duel

“Where are the car keys?” I ask.

He shakes his head, panic flaring on his face. “You’re not leaving.”

“Where’s the keys?” I ask again, my voice breaking.

He steps into me, bending to look into my eyes. “Lissie, please?—”

I push him back. “Give me the fucking keys, Charlie.”

He snaps his mouth closed, his eyes wild as they watch me. He dips his hand into his pocket and pulls out the keys to the house and Jag.

I take them and turn, not wanting him to see me in this moment. Knowing what’s about to unleash and needing to be away from him when it happens. I unlock the front door and then walk towards the car.

“Lis.”

I shake my head, rushing to open the door.

“Don’t leave.”

My heart feels like it’s broken.

“Lissie, please don’t leave.”

I shut the door to block him out and try to start the engine, but my hands are shaking, and I drop the keys. “Shit.” I wipe at my face, trying to clear my eyes.

The door is pulled open, his hand reaching past me before I can stop him.

“Charlie,” I protest, trying to push him back.

“Stop!” he snaps, and Luna barks at his back.

He finds the keys on the floor of the car and then turns, throwing them into the trees on the other side of drive.

“What are you doing?”

“Get out of the car,” he says, breath ragged. “Now. Get out of the car.”

I meet his stare, his face red and angry and terrified all at once.

My eyes fill again, my chin wobbling. I frown, knowing I have to be better, knowing I need to try harder to hold it together.

But I can’t.

I can’t because it’s killing me inside. And I think he knows it.

I cover my face as a sob racks through my entire body, his chest meeting the backs of my hands a moment later, his strong arms wrapping around me.

“I’m so sorry,” he whispers.

My shoulders shake in his hold, my resolve broken.

He lied to me.

I lean back, needing space.

“Lissie, I’m sorry, please.”

I climb out of the car, nodding as I walk into the house, the dogs following behind me.