Page 104 of I’m The Worst

His green eyes go ice cold, and for a second, I forget how to breathe. But then the fear transforms into something else.

“Maybe I don’t want to shut up. Maybe I’m tired of you treating me like I’m some helpless fucking kid. You act like I can’t handle anything, Wolff. I survived everything they did to me, and you⁠—”

He steps closer, crowding me hard against the cart.

“I don’t give a fuck what you’ve been through. Right now, we’re in a public place, surrounded by people who could be a threat, and you’re too busy fucking bitching to pay attention.”

I glare up at him, pulse racing.

“If you can’t follow one simple fucking direction, I’ll leave you here. And you can find your own way back.”

He pulls away just as fast, shoving the cart forward and walking off without looking back.

Asshole.

I clench my jaw and follow him, hating how stupid I feel. The worst part is, I know he’s right. There could be threats everywhere, and I’m here arguing like an idiot, like my feelings matter more than staying alive. I’ve always been so stupid. Always pushing when I should shut up. Always needing something from him, even when he clearly doesn’t want to give it.

We move through a few more aisles in silence, reaching one with a sign for the restrooms.

“I need to use the bathroom.” I don’t wait for permission.

I push the door open harder than I need to and step inside, the noise of the store muffling behind me. Leaning against the sink, I stare at myself in the mirror.

Why do I let him get to me?

I exhale sharply, turning on the faucet and splashing cold water on my face. He’s such a fucking prick. Drying my face with a paper towel, I reach for the door, but it bursts open, forcing me to stumble back.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing wandering off without me?!”

The door swings shut behind him, and suddenly the bathroom feels too small. Too much of him everywhere.

“I had to piss. I didn’t think that required a fucking bodyguard.”

His nostrils flare. “You don’t go anywhere without me. You don’t do anything unless I say so. Understood?”

My back hits the sink, and his hands land on either side of me, caging me in. His face is inches from mine, gaze darkening with anger.

He leans in, his breath hot on my lips. “Say it.”

“What?” I whisper.

“Say you understand.”

I want to punch him.

I want him to kiss me.

His gaze drops to my mouth, jaw tightening like he’s fighting something—himself, me, this whole fucked-up moment. A twisted thought starts to form…if I push him…he’ll touch me…

“No. I won’t say⁠—”

With a growl, he lifts his hand and fists my hair, spinning me and shoving me over the counter. My palms slam into cold marble. His hips press against my ass, pinning me in place.

“Is my patience a fucking joke to you?”

I tilt my head to the side. “You’re a fucking⁠—”

His other hand slaps over my mouth, cutting me off.