Page 59 of Two Years Gone

I immediately regretted what I said and let out a frustrated sigh.

“We should probably head back.”

Ella nodded and turned to place everything back in the basket. She picked it up and placed it on the rack on the back of the ATV.

I ran my hand through my hair, irritated that our perfect day had just been ruined by two stupid comments.

I stood and folded the blanket, placing it on the rack next to the basket, and climbed on. Ella took one last look at the cliffs before climbing on and wrapping her arms around me.

I drove us back to the packhouse. When we arrived, I stepped off the ATV and walked up to the house without speaking a wordto Ella. I was angry and needed a moment. But I wasn’t about to get it.

“Zane?” Ella opened the door slowly and walked in.

“What?” I turned to her, almost yelling. She flinched, which only made me more upset.

“I just…” Ella lowered her head.

“Thank you for today. It really was wonderful.”

I glowered.

“Yeah, sure. Ella, I need a minute, I’ll see you down at dinner.”

Ella stepped forward, attempting to say something before I pulled away, my eyes going dark.

“Go away, Ella!”

She snapped her hand back, hurt plain on her face as she turned and ran out of the room.

“Crap,” I muttered and ran after her.

“Ella, wait!”

I ran down the stairs and looked around the house for her. I made my way into the kitchen, only to find the cooks.

“Have you seen Ella?”

Sophie shook her head.

“I just got here, hun. I haven’t seen anyone.”

I ran my hand through my hair.

“I need to find her.”

Sophie knotted her brow.

“What happened?”

“I said something stupid.” I shook my head.

Chapter 28

ELLA

“Go away, Ella!”

His words stung like a knife to the chest. Of all the things he could say, that was one of the worst. He didn’t want me here. He didn’t want me.