Chapter 21

His words cool my jets but don’t turn off the waterworks running down my face. His strained tone and genuineness simmer my anger to something else entirely, but I feel prickly still and don’t want his touch.

“You’re pushing me to do what you need and want and not giving me time to breathe or think. I wasn’t lying when I said I don’t trust you. This isn’t how to change that.” I manage to push myself free from his hold and yank myself away to stand by myself, hating that he can break me down to an emotional mess without trying. He stands still and watches me, looking like his usual foreboding self, knowing he shouldn’t do anything else.

He has the sense to leave me be anyway, and I wrap my arms around my body to console myself. Shivering, but not because I’m cold and exhausted from all of it. Aching for some mental peace, even for a few seconds.

“I have never felt this way about anyone. I don’t know how to do this or how to behave. I’ve never wanted this before and n