Chapter 43: The Same Hell

“Me? Crying? No, I wasn’t.” The lie slid out too quickly, my voice an octave higher than usual. I swiped the sleeve of my sweater across my eyes—too rough, the fabric scraping my skin. Llike maybe if I rubbed hard enough, I could erase whatever she thought she saw. “Something just got in my eye and Roman was helping me get it out.” Her brows dipped like she didn’t believe me, but she smiled anyway. “Mind if I sit?” She gestured toward the bed. “Of course.” The words tumbled out in a rush. My gaze darted to the perfectly smooth duvet—thank God Roman always fussed over tidying his living space. If she’d walked in to the mess I usually leave, I’d have felt worse. The mattress dipped as she sat, the springs adjusting to her weight. Her palms ran down her thighs once, twice—nervous. “I wanted to apologize for the last time we spoke.” Her voice was careful, each word chosen like she’d rehearsed it. “I realized that some of my words were a bit harsh and very uncalled for and… I really shouldn