Xanthe still felt guilty as she and Lorenzo descended the stairs into the quiet foyer. Even though it wasn't her fault, she couldn't help but blame herself for not finding his mother.
"I'm sorry," she muttered for the umpteenth time, wrapping her arms around herself. "I really thought I could find her."
"Stop apologizing already," he replied dismissively.
"But—"
"Xanthe!" Lorenzo snapped, but his voice wasn't harsh. Just exhausted. "It's not your fault. You didn't make my mother disappear. You did the best you could and I'm grateful for that. Now wipe that look off your face, it makes you uglier than usual."
Immediately, every atom of remorse abandoned her. She dealt him a murderous glare. "You've decided to stay an insufferable jerk all your life, haven't you?"
"With every breath," he agreed in a heartbeat. "Anyway, you've official tick one thing off our agreement. Now it's left for you to restore my relationship with Ashley."
