From Mob Princess to Mugshot Photographer novel Chapter 17

Chapter 8

A few days later, Liam and I switched hotels.

Vacation without someone constantly in my face? Pure heaven.

But I had to report to the branch office next week.

If I didn’t head back and pack my stuff soon, I’d be screwed.

I timed it so I’d get there while Silas was at work.

Except when I walked through the door, there he was–passed out on the couch.

The noise woke him up. He looked right at me.

I gave him an awkward smile.

“Just here to pack. I’ll be out in like twenty minutes.”

Silas didn’t say anything. Just stared at me like a kicked puppy.

After what felt like forever, his voice came out rough.

“You took the transfer. You’re leaving next week?”

I was surprised he knew.

He must’ve caught my expression, because he looked away.

“After you blocked me, I couldn’t get through to you. Came by the apartment for days–you never showed. Finally went to your office and they told me you were relocating.”

I didn’t have anything to say. Didn’t want to.

The silence stretched out until Silas finally spoke.

“Sloane, can we just… talk?”

Fine. Time to put this to bed for good.

I sat down.

“Yeah. Go ahead.”

Silas locked eyes with me.

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From Mob Princess to Mugshot Photographer: Smile, Ex

11.6%

Chapter 8

“I’ll stop talking to Wren. I’ll actually make time for you. Can we try again?”

I didn’t feel relieved. I felt irritated.

He let out this bitter laugh.

“I know. You’ve always hated how close Wren and I were. How much time I spent with her.”

“I’ve been thinking about it. You’re supposed to be my girlfriend. Your feelings should’ve mattered most. I never set boundaries. That’s on me. It won’t happen again.”

“Wren’s got her own life. Her own problems. I shouldn’t have just assumed you’d stick around no matter what I did. I took you for granted. I was a total asshole.”

“But I get it now. Just give me one more shot. We can go back to how we were. Please?”

So he knew exactly what he was doing this whole time.

He could’ve cut Wren off whenever he wanted.

He just chose not to.

I smiled.

“Don’t worry about it. I stopped caring what happens between you and Wren ages ago.”

I paused, then added:

“And for the record–I don’t hate you.

“If you two end up together down the line, I’ll be genuinely happy for you.”

Silas looked like he was about to lose it.

“You still don’t trust me, do you? Fine–I’ll show you right now!”

He pulled out his phone and called Wren. Hit speaker.

She answered on the first ring, voice all flirty.

“Already missing me? It’s only been a few days, Si.”

The kind of thing that used to make him go all soft now just made him tense up.

“Wren, I’m calling to set something straight. I have a girlfriend. We need space. Don’t call me unless it’s actually important.”

“Si? What are you talking about? This isn’t funny.”

Her voice wavered. Like she was about to cry.

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From Mob Princess to Mugshot Photographer: Smile, Ex

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Chapter 8

“What’s going on? We had such an amazing time in Paris. We said we’d always have each other’s backs. How can you just bail on me like this?”

Then her tone changed–trying to sound calm but clearly pissed.

“Oh wait, I get it. Sloane’s throwing another fit and you’re tired of dealing with her drama, right?

“I told you from day one–girls like that are way too high–maintenance…”

“STOP!”

Silas cut her off.

“Sloane is my girlfriend. Show her some respect.

“And I’m dead serious. We’re DONE. Don’t contact me again.”

The second he hung up, his phone started blowing up. He just shut it off completely.

Then turned to me with those puppy dog eyes.

“Sloane, I told Wren we’re done. I promise I’ll do better. I’ll actually be there for you…”

I just looked at him. Let out a long breath.

“It’s too late, Silas.

“I don’t-”

“NO!”

He looked terrified.

“Don’t say it!

“It’s not too late. We can start over. Build something better…”

He looked like he was about to make some grand gesture.

“I’ll quit. I’ll move with you. Wherever you’re going.”

I’m not gonna lie–that shook me for a second.

But then I thought about everything. All of it.

My head cleared.

“This is as good as it’s gonna get for us. Let’s just leave it here.”

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From Mob Princess to Mugshot Photographer: Smile, Ex

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Chapter 8

I was done with Silas. Completely done.

After that last conversation, I walked out and didn’t look back.

Had a moving company handle everything based on a list I sent over.

After that, I crashed at a hotel near the new office.

Three days before I was supposed to start, I finally signed a lease and flew back one last time to grab the few things I’d left

behind.

Silas got a new number somehow and texted me.

Said to wait for him. He’d finish up at work and come find me.

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