Page 17 of No Greater Oblivion

I swallow the lump forming in my throat. “Please do this for me. I promise I’ll explain later.”

Rian’s gaze travels between Alejandro and me. Resigned to the situation, he must decide it isn’t worth a fight, especially not in front of Alejandro. Rian picks up his suit jacket and coat and leaves.

How do they know each other? And why didn’t I know this before?

An awkward silence ensues so I busy myself with cleaning up the counter and Alejandro makes himself comfortable. I hate that.

He takes off his coat and drops it on the back of one of the kitchen stools. Then his blazer to reveal the turtleneck underneath and he pushes the sleeves all the way up to his elbows.

This is my house. My private, sacred, sanctuary and there he stands, getting undressed as if he’s home for dinner.

“You accepted my offer.”

So, he does know. “Yes.”

“And the other properties?”

“I’m selling them.”

“Why?” The word leaves him short of breath.

I rest my palms on the counter and meet his gaze. “Alex. It’s been a year.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means being financially supported by an ex-boyfriend while I’m in a different relationship isn’t normal. I’m not yours to take care of anymore and⁠—”

“You are always going to be mine to take care of. Whether you’re with me or not.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose and take a measured breath for patience. “Look, this is my fault. At first I was angry and I was acting out. I shouldn’t have spent months going on spending sprees just to piss you off. It was excessive and unnecessary and⁠—”

“You can do whatever you want. Todo lo que tengo es tuyo.”

“We’re separated. You understand that, don’t you?”

He gives a light shrug.

Irritation fizzles through my blood stream. I mimic his indifferent shrug as my eyes shoot daggers at him. “What is this? What does this mean?”

“It means whatever you want it to mean, Dahlia.”

“For once, I need you to listen to me and absorb what I’m saying. We are over. I’m dating someone else now.” I tap my temple. “Is it permeating that thick skull of yours or do I need to get a hammer and nails?”

“Mira Dahlia, I think I’ve indulged you for long enough.”

I scoff in disbelief. “Indulged me?”

“I let you be for the last year because I know you’re angry. It’s what you do. Every time I piss you off you throw a temper tantrum to punish me. I indulged the traveling, the spending, turned a blind eye to the drinking and the partying. But I draw the line at a fucking boyfriend, Dahlia,” he says. “Now go upstairs, pack your shit, and wrap it up. Because we’re going home.”

I wish I had words for the insanity I’m witnessing. I can’t describe it. “Oh, you’re out of your mind. Do you understand what I’m telling you?”

“¡Basta, Dahlia! Me tienes harto con tus estupideces. I’m not fucking around with you.”

If not for the fact that I truly believe he’s had some sort of mental breakdown, I think I’d strangle him to death with his own belt. “I’m going to say this very slowly and you need to listen to me.”

He swears under his breath.

“You and me? We’re done. Over. Have been for a year. I’m returning everything to you, including this house,” I gesture around us. “I don’t want anything from you. Not anymore.”