Chapter 8 Chapter 8 When my parents video called, Kieran and I were getting ready to leave. My mom was super enthusiastic and insisted on talking to him. I felt awkward and said quietly: "Maybe just humor her for a bit?" But Kieran wasn't fazed at all by my marriage-obsessed mother. He casually took my phone and started chatting with her. When I heard them talking about kids and baby names, I turned bright red and escaped to the bathroom. I touched up my makeup and was heading back when someone blocked my path. His tall frame completely surrounded me. When I heard Dashiell's voice, I actually felt relieved. I kicked him hard. "Are you insane?" I tried to leave, but he grabbed my wrist and pulled me against him. Dashiell's eyes were intense as he stared at me, leaning down to whisper in my ear: "Aurelia, I'll admit it-I'm having some regrets." That familiar woody cologne hit me, and I used all my strength to push him away. But Dashiell wouldn't let up: "You used to love it when I took charge. What's with the act now?" "You forgot how you used to practically rip your clothes off when we were together? Now you won't even let me hug you?" "Or are you secretly loving this and just playing hard to get..." I swung my arm back with everything I had- SLAP! Looking at the red mark blooming across his face, I felt so much better. "Dashiell, liking you is the biggest mistake of my life! I was genuine and passionate about our relationship, and I'm not ashamed of that. We're adults-having sex isn't a crime." This was the first time I'd said this much to Dashiell since our breakup. And it would be the last. I took a deep breath: "What we did together was consensual, and I don't regret it." 16.24 Dear Hublay Your Riaanst Mistake? Thinking I'd Beg Instead of Burn 19.89 Chapter 8 "But what you owe me is this-on day THREE of our fight, you brought your new girlfriend home to spend the night. That felt like betrayal and humiliation! But I tried to be mature about our breakup. I didn't cause any drama. I thought I was being generous and understanding. But what did you do?" "You kept pushing! Getting worse and worse! I'm so disgusted I can't even look at you! I'm ashamed and embarrassed that I ever liked you! You know what, Dashiell? You're absolutely revolting!" After getting all that out, I felt like I'd finally expelled all the poison from my system. Looking at his face, I felt nothing-no love, no hate. I shook out my wrist and started to leave, but heard Dashiell snarl: "Right, so all you can do is hit people now? You're really committed to this performance." "I was actually going to tell you that I'm sick of Thalia and was planning to dump her after this trip to get back together with you. But after this, forget it." He stood there, watching me walk away. I knew Dashiell was waiting for me to turn around and beg. I paused for just a second and couldn't help asking: You really can't tell what my relationship is with the guy I was having dinner with?" Dashiell clearly hadn't expected that question. He thought for a moment, then asked: 'Isn't that your brother?" 'Any guy who could listen to a girl talk about her... past with another man without reacting at all definitely isn't your blind date." 'He would've run for the hills." Jet out a short laugh. Turns out Dashiell had already written me off completely. didn't look back at him once. walked away quickly. 16:24 Doar Hubber vous Bi