Chapter 14. Hard for Me

He took a swig of his drink. "It's been more recently. I think I didn't want to believe the rumors of what he's capable of, what he's done." He rubbed the back of his neck with one hand. "But I'm older now. And I'd be a fool to ignore the proof right in front of my face. Including how he's treating you."

I stared at him dumbfounded.

A waitress interrupted my confusion. She sidled up to the booth, looking us both over like something she'd like to eat. Older, probably in her thirties, or maybe a hard life had aged her prematurely. Her blonde hair was swept up in a ponytail. She pushed a stray strand out of her eyes as she purred, "Can I get you another?"

Hell yes, I wanted to scream. Instead, I just gave her a stiff nod without taking my eyes off of Ryder. He shook his head, "No, I'm good."

But she couldn't seem to take a hint and persisted in a wheedling tone, "Are you sure there isn't anything else you want?"

I didn't have the time or patience to let he