Self

Chapter 51

The ride was quiet, with Wade and Yara barely exchanging a word after the

Initial small ta

Wade drove his go–to car, keeping the speed just right–fast enough to show he was aware of the time but slow enough to be considerate of Yara’s sour mood.

th

They pulled up to the gated community where Yale’s villa was. The guard at the entrance perked up at the sight of her.

“Ms. Simmons, I haven’t seen you in ages! Been away on business?”

Yara offered a weak smile and stayed silent.

Wade stole a glance at her but decided against prying.

They reached the villa in silence, and Wade brought the car to a gentle stop.

“Just hang on for a second. I’ll grab my books and be right out,” Yara said, hopping out of the car.

“Need a hand with that?”

She shook her head. “It’s all good. There are not too many books. I’ve got this.”

With that, she strode toward the villa and rang the bell. Mary’s voice echoed from inside, “Hold on, I’m coming!”

Mary’s face lit up at the sight of Yara. “Ms. Simmons! You’re finally back!”

Yara smiled. “Just here to grab a few things-”

Before she could finish, Yale appeared on the upper landing in his pajamas, looking like he had just rolled out of bed. He leaned on the railing, a smirk playing on his lips.

“Here by yourself? Think you can handle it?”

He sipped his coffee, calm and detached.

“As long as I get them moved, right? How I manage is my problem.”

Her response was crisp, and she did not break stride as she headed for the study.

Yale trailed behind her, leaning against a cabinet and watching. Yara worked up a sweat, packing books into a sturdy bag, determined not to ask for his help.

Yara zipped her bag hurriedly, and the last ten minutes were a blur of motion. She was just about to haul it out the door when Yale, who had been brooding in silence, exploded.

He swore under his breath and kicked a stack of books flying. His hands clamped down on her shoulders

like iron.

“Yara, am I invisible to you? What am I, just some nobody? You wouldn’t come back when I begged you, but here you are, waltzing into this fancy house over some lousy books.”

She sucked in a sharp breath, trying to wriggle free. “You’re hurting me. Let go!”

However, Yale was beyond reason, his eyes blazing. Answer me! What am I to you? Just a dog you can call and dismiss on a whim?”

“Yale, you were the one who wanted to end things, remember? And if we’re talking about being at someone’s beck and call, isn’t that your favorite game?

Chapter 51

“What’s wrong? Can’t stand it when the tables are turned?”

She shoved his hands away with all her might, desperate to escape his touch.

Her look of disgust was the last straw for Yale, and he closed in on her.

Yara stumbled backward, tripped over the couch, and landed with a thud.

Yale loomed over her, noticing the slight sheen of sweat on her flushed face. Her lips were a deeper shade of red from biting them in her anxiety. Her chest heaved with each tense breath.

Memories of their passionate nights together flashed through his mind.

His eyes suddenly burned with unshed tears, and he leaned down, seeking her lips. “Yara…”

Yara retoiled in shock and anger, pushing hard against his towering frame. “Yale! Have you lost your mind? We’re over!”