James' POV:
My whole body burned. She was smiling. She looked self-satisfied.
Oh, how smug she looked!
There was no sadness in her eyes. No grief. It was as if this was all over already, and she has no intention or interest to turn back.
I wouldn't let her.
“What happened? What did she say?” Miranda asked as I sat down, gritting my teeth. Her eyes were narrowed as she studied me. I could see the hint of worry in her eyes...
“Nothing.”
The word came out too sharp, too fast. I gritted my teeth.
Miranda tilted her head slightly, waiting for more, but I didn’t have the energy—or the pride—to feed her curiosity.
My throat was tight, and my hands felt too big, too obvious as I reached for the menu. Just something to focus on. A distraction.
“Do you want anything else to eat? Or shoul
