Chapter 11

I don’t know how to respond; I never do when he snaps, which is rarer than rain in the desert. It’s like that inner child in me gets scolded, and it hurts more than I can ever explain when it’s him that does it. He’s the only one who pulls this from me.

My heart bursts with raw agony, and tears trickle down my face involuntarily. I feel stupid and immature as my lip trembles, and I want to be anywhere but near him anymore. Reeling back as though I have been slapped and doing what I do best.

Running.

“I need air. I’ll walk home.” I manage to whimper out through muffled sniffs, heart well and truly bruised. Not waiting for a response, I unclip my belt and slide out quickly. Arrick moves to catch me across the center console, but I’m quicker. Dodging his outstretched grasp and leaving his door open, I move fast along the grassy edging to the road.

I’m an expert in heels on all terrain, so don’t even blink at the soft surface or how it threatens to upend my stupi