Accidental Fiancé

28: Eight Words

Twenty Eight: Eight words

He couldn't sleep and didn't want to go to his room, knowing that staring at the ceiling would just drive him mad. Every second he had spent with Astrid was replayed over and over, every gesture dissected in excruciating detail, every nuance of her words analysed and overanalysed. His mind began to persuade him that nothing was real, that everything she said to him was just in friendship, was just polite and not underpinned by anything other than casual fondness.

No, that's not right, he thought desperately. She kissed me, she held me, she said she loved me. And I know when Astrid means it. This is just...her being thoughtless. Yes, thoughtless...the girl who leaves no detail uncovered, who would never leave a friend behind...

Except she did. Four years ago...and now. And though this isn't at all the same level of abandonment, she did leave you at that Awards Dinner and you had to get a cab back on your own. Cami wasn't answering either.

This must be it. They've decided I've served my purpose and I'm no longer worth any effort in looking after...because they're going to end it.

He slumped back in the couch and grabbed the controller, clicking in the TV and flicking through the channels, absently looking for something to distract him...but his attention was grasped by the rolling news channel and the images of the glitterati arriving at the Awards Ceremony...and among them, the glowing presence of Astrid, shining and beautiful with his own awkward shape behind her. And he closed his eyes and felt an inward cringe. Bella had been right: he was completely useless and worthless, a fish out of water in the world Astrid lived in. And it was painfully obvious that she didn't need him...well, not any more. And if she wanted someone else, though it broke his heart, he would respect her wishes.

I mean, what can I really offer her? She's amazing, rich, talented. She has her soccer and her fashion line and her friends...she doesn't need me now. And if she has Thuggory...she'll be happy. He can give her everything that I can't...and he's a part of her world. He belongs. I don't. Not here. Everyone has made that very clear.

But he couldn't imagine a life without Astrid now, a life without seeing her smile in the morning, hearing her tease him, feeling her in his arms...even life with Bella would be better than that desolation.

But you knew it was going to end, right? Bella was right. About everything.

He lost track of time, staring at the cycling images, a few new stories diluting the painful image of him at Astrid's side, seeing the anxiety and hope in his own eyes...hope which was now gone. He knew the truth.

He almost missed the click of the lock and he froze as the door slid open, hearing the sounds of giggles and voices. Shrouded in the shadows, he watched as Astrid staggered in giggly and dishevelled and clearly very drunk-and he felt his fist clench in anger at the tall, buff shape behind her. Thuggory was grinning and trying to kiss her, an arm wound indiscreetly around her slender middle.

"Shhh...I have neighbours..." she giggled as she staggered into the main area. Thuggory swung her round to face him.

"And you know they should be honoured to live next to the Soccer Valkyrie?" he said smugly. He pressed a kiss on her mouth and she barely struggled, pulling back and giggling.

"Stop that!" she sniggered. "Look, it's been a great evening but I'm tired..." Thuggory raised and hand and stroked her face.

"Bed, then," he said and she laughed gently, then pushed him back.

"Hush, you," she scolded him. "I think you need to go home..."

"You know you want this," he told her, leaning towards her once more. "I'll treat you well, Ast. You're amazing, you're gorgeous and you're the sexiest woman I know..."