Page 175 of Fame & Chaos

“Oh God, yes. I understand. I’m sorry. I never meant—”

“You stay the fuck away from us and keep your damn mouth shut.”

“Okay,” she whispers before hanging up.

I stare at the cell phone in my hand while trying to calm the violent pounding in my chest. The rage slowly fades, leaving exhaustion and grief behind.

Twenty-four hours ago, I was in love and happier than I’ve ever been in my life.

Now everything has gone to shit.

A crazy stalker destroyed my relationship. Indi thinks I betrayed her. The media is tearing her apart. And somehow, I’ve lost the only person who’s ever truly mattered to me.

The thoughts hit so hard my throat closes.

Suddenly, my eyes burn, and I swallow hard, but instead of stopping it, a broken sob tears out of me as hot tears spill down my face.

The tears shock me.

I lean my head against the wall and cry for the relationship I just destroyed with my own stupidity.

I’m supposed to be strong, tough, untouchable.

Women come and go all the time, and I’ve never cared.

So why can’t I let Indi go?

Because she’s different.

She’s always been different.

She’s the girl who’s been there through every shitty moment of my life. The girl who’s always mattered more than anyone else. The girl I’ve loved for so long, I don’t even remember what life felt like before her.

I punch the wall hard and slump against it, needing something solid to keep me standing. Without her, I feel completely fucking broken. I need to hear her voice, need to know she’s okay. Grabbing my cell again, I call her once more, even though I know she won’t answer.

It rings twice before voicemail picks up.

“Indi, please… just text me. Send me a blank message. Anything. I’m losing my fucking mind over here.” I scrub at my wet face angrily. “Actually, no. Fuck giving you space. You’ve had enough time. I’m coming over right now. Stay there. Please.”

I hang up, throw the cell onto the bed, and get dressed faster than I ever have in my life.

The drive to Indi’s is a blur.

One minute I’m in my bedroom, and the next I’m hammering on her front door like a madman.

“Indi!” I yell. “Please, just let me in!”

Nothing.

“I know you’re in there. Just answer the door, so I know you’re okay!”

Still nothing.

Panic claws up my throat. What if she’s hurt herself? What if she’s lying unconscious inside? I’m seconds away from kicking the damn door in when the neighbor’s door swings open and Mrs. Latham steps outside, glaring at me.

“You again,” she snaps.

“Mrs. Latham, is Indi home?” I ask desperately.