Ransom’s arms wrap tightly around me, barricading me into his chest. His heart thumps steadily against the palm of my hand, as if it’s speaking directly to me, reaching beyond reason and willing my body to respond. A shiver runs through me and everything boiling inside me settles in an instant, but the moment it does, my mind is triggered, panic flares, and I feel lightheaded all over again.

It’s too much.

Too many things too fast.

I don’t know how to feel and I sure as hell have no idea how to process what I am.

I’m pissed and confused and worried. I’m scared and unsure and sad.

I’m so, so sad.

Everything is out of sorts; nothing is right or fair or in line.

It’s messy.

It’s everything I never wanted.

So how is the boy holding on to me all I could ever need?

At that thought, I shove away.

He wasn’t expecting it, so I’m able to get a few steps before he’s sliding into me again.

“Jameson, don’t,” he warns.

“You shouldn’t be here.”

“Yes, I should. My girl needs me, and she proved that by diving right into my arms.” He reaches for me. “Baby, come here—”

“No.” My nose begins to sting, but I clench my teeth to hold strong. “My mistake.”

He shakes his head. “Don’t do this. Don’t go backward.”

“It’s time for us to face the facts, this was fun, but that’s all it was ever supposed to be.”

“Fuck supposed to be, we’re way past that.”

“I told you what my future looked like long ago.”

“That was before your future became mine.”

A heavy ache stabs at my chest.

We both know it’s the only answer, so why is he fighting me?

“Ransom.” Raw grief coats my throat, but I don’t allow it to be heard. “It’s happening.”

“Bullshit it is,” he fires back. “Listen to me. Stop fucking doing things for the benefit of other people. Stop saving everyone else’s ass. Do what you want for you, Jameson.” He gets in my face, begging, pleading. “Get in the fucking car with me, baby. Say fuck it. Fuck your mom and fuck him.”

“And fuck your sister?” I say coldly.

Ransom’s eyes harden, but pain darkens the brilliant blue.

That was harsh, way too cruel, I know, but asking me to do such a thing as leaving Anthony is to destroy Ransom in a different way.

I could never put myself in the same category as his sister.

His blood. His family.

His face is caved, clenched tight and it’s almost enough for me to reach out and touch him, but I don’t.