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Damaged goods.
She’s right about that.
And she deserves better because I’ll never be able to be what she needs. Who she needs me to be. I went through this hell once before, and it swallowed me whole. To do it again… No, I couldn’t do it. Not even for her.
Just then, our building appears in front of me. I pull into the parking lot and turn off the car.
“Jade, I—” I turn around to look at her, my mouth completely dry with nerves, but before I can attempt to find the right words to say, I realize that she’s fast asleep.
I let out a shaky breath as I stare at her face. Even when she’s sleeping, there’s a frown between her brows.
I’m dying.
I’m not doing this. Not again. I can’t.
“I’ll carry her up. Open the door for me?”
Not waiting for an answer from Grace, I get out of the car and make my way to the passenger’s side. As gently as possible, I get Jade into my arms and straighten. Thankfully, Grace doesn’t say anything as she heads to the building and holds the door open for me.
In silence, we climb up the stairs to their apartment and into Jade’s room, where I gently lie Jade on her bed. I skim the back of my fingers over her cheekbone, pushing a strand of her hair out of her face.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t be what you need, doll,” I whisper softly as footsteps come behind me.
“Stay with her tonight? She shouldn’t be alone.” Pushing upright, I walk toward the door, but Grace steps in my way, her arms crossed over her chest as she stares me down.
“You don’t need to tell me what to do, but we both know who she wants to be here.”
I shake my head. “I can’t be here.”
“Can’t or won’t?” she challenges, her voice steely.
I grit my teeth, the irritation and pain brewing inside of me. “I’m not doing this with you.”
“Fine. But if you’re not planning on staying, you should leave. For good. You’re just hurting her otherwise.”
“What do you think I’m trying to do here?” I yell as I shove past her and make my way for the door.
“Jade was right,” Grace calls after me. “Go, that’s what you’re the best at.”
Pushing open the door, I get out and let it slam after me. My leg protests every step I take as I descend the stairs and get outside. My hand slips into my pants pocket, my fingers wrapping around the plastic bag.
I rip into the bag, three pills falling into my open palm. I throw them into my mouth and swallow them in one go. Jade’s words still ring in my head as I make my way home.
That’s why I promised I’d never fall in love again. The only thing it ever brings you is heartache.
I went and did it anyway.
CHAPTERELEVEN
JADE
I turn in bed, my stomach clenching uncomfortably as the bile rises up my throat. Groaning, I pull my legs closer to my chest as the stab of pain goes through my skull, making my whole body tense.
“Oh my God…” I bury my head deeper into the pillow, my voice making the throbbing behind my temples intensify.
What the hell happened last night?
“Good, you’re awake.” Grace’s voice echoes in my head, not helping in the least with the headache I’m sporting.
