A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 338

She could always say she’d signed that agreement to save Tanya Foster—really, she hadn’t been able to think of any other way.

But if she admitted she’d done it willingly, out of her own feelings, how was she supposed to explain that?

She couldn’t. There were no words.

If she confessed now, then the next time he left her behind, she’d be the only one to blame. People would only point fingers at her.

Just like before, when all the gossip had been aimed at her: Rowan had supported her for nine whole years—what more did she want? How dare she dream of clinging to Rowan for a lifetime!

Rowan noticed her silent, downcast expression and could guess what she was thinking. He gently cupped the back of her head, leaned down, and kissed her softly on the lips.

She was so soft.

He didn’t rush, didn’t try to claim her all at once. Instead, he kissed her patiently, lips brushing hers between words. “Little Nine, those things from before—they’ll never happen again.”

“Elissa and Rowan will never be separated, not ever again.”

For a moment, Elissa was caught off guard.

He remembered. He’d remembered her sixteenth birthday wish, all these years later.

Clinging to his shoulders, she kissed him back, blinking away the moisture threatening to spill from the corners of her eyes. “Rowan, do you ever regret leaving me behind back then?”

Elissa realized she wasn’t as resolute as she’d always believed.

At least, not when it came to Rowan. When it came to him, she couldn’t quite live up to the old mantra—betray me once, and you’ll never get a second chance.

Maybe, deep down, all she wanted was for this proud, privileged man to bow his head just once in front of her, to admit that he shouldn’t have abandoned her. Maybe then, she could let the past go.

Maybe then, they could truly start over.

But this time, she didn’t miss the flicker of confusion in Rowan’s eyes.

It was just like that look he’d given her on her birthday, all those years ago, when she’d made her wish and met his gaze across the candles.

Before Rowan could answer, the car slowed to a stop. Just before the partition dropped, Elissa hurriedly pulled away from him.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify