Page 112 of Ruin

“Mmhmm.” He’s nodding. A smile playing on his gorgeous lips. Lips that I could quite happily punch right now.

I’m feeling irritated and jealous, and I want to hurt him.

“Have you had sex with her since you’ve been with me?”

His smile drops, anger diluting his features, and I keep going because I know I’m getting the desired effect. And, also, because I don’t care right now.

“Because I want to know if I need to get tested, considering you and I have had sex without a condom—twice.”

His jaw tightens. “I get physicals on the regular, including tests for any diseases or infections, but you already know that. And the last time I had sex before you was about five months ago, and I’ve been checked since then. I always used condoms on the rare occasions that I had sex with other women. You’re the only person I’ve ever gone unprotected with. What about you?”

I rear back. “What about me?”

“Well, you were screwing Deputy Dick. Maybe you still are. Did you use condoms, or do I need to get myself tested?”

I’ve never hit anyone in my life. Never. But I want to hit him right now.

But I won’t. Because that’s not who I am.

But I am a bitch. And I will hurt him in other ways that I know I can. Rightly or wrongly.

Not taking my eyes off Zeus, I reach behind me and grab one of his boxing trophies. Then, I throw it at the wall to my left with all my might. I hear the crack as it hits the wall and then the thud as it drops to the floor.

“Feel better?” he asks without a shred of emotion.

“No,” I snap.

“So, break them all.” He lifts a shoulder, taking a step toward me. “Tear the whole fucking place up, if it’ll make you feel better. Do whatever you need to, so we can get past this and move forward.”

I let out a bitter-sounding laugh. “You just don’t get it, Zeus. There is no moving forward because I can’t forgive you!”

The next thing I know, he’s in front of me, grabbing my face in his hands. “There has to be because I love you so fucking much.” The raw emotion in his eyes and voice tears at me. “I know you love me, Cam. I know I’m not alone in this. We’re the real fucking deal. Our love is what most people spend a lifetime searching for and never find. Don’t throw us away, please.”

“I didn’t throw us away,” I whisper brokenly. “You did.”

“Fuck, Cam.” He presses his forehead to mine. “I’m sorry. I’m so fucking sorry. Just forgive me, please. Because I can’t spend my life without you.”

He’s surrounding me. His scent, his heat, his emotion.

I can barely breathe, let alone think straight.

I step out of his hold, needing space.

His hands drop to his sides. His head lowers. He looks beaten.

I wrap my arms around myself. “Did you text her back?” I whisper.

His eyes lift to mine. “Yes.”

A sound of anguish escapes me.

“I told her that my circumstances had changed,” he’s quick to say. “I said that I couldn’t see her anymore.”

I resent the relief I feel. “Why?”

“Why do you think?”

I lift my palms up.