254

RONAN

I locked the door to her room and walked away. My footsteps echoed down the hallway as I walked away. The moment I was out of earshot of Maxine, I let out a breath. I needed to calm down and think clearly.

No more of this. No more weakness or letting my emotions get the best of me.

I needed to remember who I was and what I had set out to do. Maxine's reaction to seeing Liam had been like a punch to my face. The way her face had crumpled and the guilt in her eyes, I hated it. I most definitely hated how it had made me feel. I felt like I was losing her all over again.

I shook my head. This was stupid. I had let my guard down and let myself get too close. And for what? To see her look at him with those pleading eyes? She looked at him like he was some innocent victim and the monster holding him captive.

I had been a fool.

I had told myself this was necessary. Caring for her and tending to her needs would build trust and bring her closer. And yet, when she had heard Liam’s voice, a