Chapter 51

Seven’s POV

“And I’m off that line for you?” I asked. Whatever it is that’s going on between us is bad. I knew that because I wouldn’t be genuine with her; I would always have this thing that brought me to her hovering over us.

“You’re in the damn circle on the other side of the room, Seven!” She slammed her hand down on the island countertop. Her confession—the way her eyes blazed, the way she thought avoiding me would keep her sane—had me doing what I did best.

“You’ve been over on that side, jumping in and out of my circle, for a long time, Shantelle. The problem is, you don’t see that you can indulge without all of this. You can be you without that. Who you are isn’t a bad thing,” I told her.

I didn’t know what I was doing, but I was very sure that I could see understanding in her eyes.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about. I am me, and I don’t want to indulge in you.” She shook her head at me, tears suddenly in her eyes.

“You can