“That’s ridiculous,” I reject what he’s saying.
“It’s not.
“After everything we just went through, you can't believe that.”
“That exactly what I believe. It’s what I know. Look at me. Is this what you really want in your life? A maimed biker who has nothing to offer?”
“That’s the trauma talking,” I argue. “You have plenty to offer.”
He shakes his head sternly. “I have nothing to offer you. Go home to all your artsy friends. To the life you had before me.”
“I don’t want the life I had before you.”
“Well, I’m not really giving you a choice. Leave. Go,” he barks.
“I’m not leaving.”
“Get the fuck out!” he explodes, throwing the mirror across the room. It hits the wall and shatters, making me jump.
I stand up, my chest caving in. Heartbreak clipping wings of hope.
“I don’t fucking believe you.” My despair morphs into rage. “I always knew you’d break my heart, Damon, but I never expected it to be like this. I didn't realize you were such a cold, heartless motherfucker underneath it all.”
“That’s exactly what I am. Better you find out now.”
“You’re full of shit. You’re just a coward.Ifought for you.Ididn’t give up on you.Iwas with you through all of it. But if you want to just throw that all away.Fine.You want to believe all the bullshit you’re conjuring in your head.Fine.You asked me for another chance, and I gave it to you. You lived up to my expectations spectacularly.”
I storm out of the room on that last note, my heart beating a mile a minute
I barely make it into the hallway before my entire world falls apart.
I lean against the wall for support, hiccupping with tears.
“Liv,” I hear Kira call my name. She and Ky are headed toward me with bears and flowers and balloons in their hands.
I look straight at Ky, distraught. “He’s all fucking yours.”
They both frown, puzzled.
“I’m going home,” I inform them and turn to leave. I just need to get the fuck out of here. I want to escape the third floor faster than I tried to get to it.
“What the fuck, man?” I hear Ky’s irritated tone echo through the hallway as Kira chases me down.
“Liv, wait.”
I turn to her, thick tears streaking down my face. “What?”
“What happened?”
“Your guess is as good as mine. I just know he chewed me up and spit me out just like I knew he was going to.”
Kira’s perfect facial features are colored with confusion and worry.
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. Damon . . . is Damon,” I sigh. “I’ll see you when you get back. Maybe we can have another girls’ night?”
“Definitely. And Ky and I are still coming to your showing. Damon may be dumb enough not to want you in his life, but I sure as hell do.”
