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But they’re funnyandnice, at least to me.
Why did I have to like their damaged, sadistic friend?
Because the sadistic friend makes you feel things you’ve never felt before. Because you want to crack him open and roll around in his damage and make it the both of yours, because you know you can tackle it together.
Shut up.
I raise my chin and cross my arms before meeting his gaze.
“He didn’t mean it.” Phoenix says.
I let out a humorless laugh. “Bye.” I say, walking off again.
“His mom died.”
That stops me.
“He found out today. She was murdered ten years ago when she was supposed to have moved to America. She was a Jane Doe up until today I guess, when his DNA matched with hers.”
"Sorry, he's trying to give you the abridged version." Rhys adds.
My hand comes up to my mouth.
My heart hurts for him.
“I’m not saying to forgive him – in fact, please make him eat shit for a little while, his ego needs muzzling, it's getting out of hand – but just… don’t walk away.”
I nod. He doesn’t need to convince me. I can only imagine the mess I’d be if I’d just found my mother had been murdered. I can’t imagine the things I’d say.
I’m angry at him. Furious even. But I know he needs me even if he won’t admit it to himself. He’s pushing me away like he does when he feels like he needs to protect himself.
“Can you drop me off?”
“Sure. You’re at the pen right?”
“Not home.” I say, “Back there.” I point behind me as I get in the backseat.
Once I put my seatbelt on, I meet his eyes in the rearview mirror. He quirks a brow.
I shrug. “You said not to walk away.”
“He’d be stupid to let you go.”
I snort. ‘He needs to decide he wants me first.”
???
I’m back in front of his house less than five minutes later.
Instead of using the front door, I go around the side to the back, hoping to catch a glimpse of where he is through the many windows.
My eyes land on his back as I get to the garden. He’s standing in front of the wet bar. His two hands splayed at his side as he hangs his head.
His head snaps to the side when I step on a branch and his eyes flare slightly as they take me in.
“What do you want?” He asks, surprised and slightly wary to see me.
“Don’t push me away.”
