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Pathetic.
“You’ll hurt Tessie if you leave,” he remarked as if it would be so simple to stay away.
What a jerk.
I turned from him and continued my search for something that would free me from this hell pit.
Me. Not us.
Me.
I’d lock the door and leave him in here for all I cared.
“Come here,” he commanded.
I ignored him.
“Come. Here.”
I paused in my steps, goosebumps lining my arms at the authority in his voice.
My body swiveled around to face him, but instead of letting him speak, I shook my head and asked, “Who hurt you?”
His eyes narrowed as I approached, but I didn’t stop.
We stood foot to foot as I continued, “Because you act like someone who’s been stabbed everywhere possible. Back. Neck. Thigh. Chest.”
I reached forward to jab his chest with my finger, but he caught it.
He didn’t stop me as I stumbled forward against him. I had to use his chest to steady myself, mortified by the burn of my palms against his skin—even separated by his button down.
“Are you done?” he asked.
Fury built in my throat.
Not at him. At me.
That wall that had shattered couldn’t erect itself again, and he looked… different.
Something like pity filled his eyes. I tried to close my eyes and tune out what he said, wondering how this day had spiraled into a confrontation like this.
“I’m sorry.”
My eyes flew open.
Surely I hadn’t heard that right.
He continued, “I’m sorry you were cornered today. I’m sorry you got attached to Tessie and will eventually see her leave for California. I’m sorry we fight. I’ll offer you a trade.”
“A trade?”
What could he possibly want from me?
“Yes. I’ll be less… volatile,” he toyed with the word, “if you start following the rules. They’re there for your safety.”
I couldn’t wrap my head around this proposal. What did he even get out of it?
“Deal,” I finally agreed.
