Page 180 of Bad Prince

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Just slightly.

And his eyes?—

Catch mine.

Guilt flashes.

Quick.

Gone just as fast.

The girl turns.

Sees me.

Her eyes narrow.

Slow.

Deliberate.

She doesn’t say anything.

She doesn’t need to.

The message is clear.

You had your chance.

I look away first.

“I’m—” I start.

But I don’t even know what I’m excusing myself from.

Them?

Myself?

The moment?

“Sorry,” I mutter anyway.

And step back.

No one stops me.

No one follows.

I push through the front door.

Out into the night.

Cool air hits my face.

Sharp.

Real.

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