It sent a violent chill through her to say it. She stopped, turned to face Zack. “His version of love, beyond rules, beyond bounds. Selfish, cold and obsessive and powerful. He would see me dead before he’d let me go. That’s not an exaggeration.”

“I believe you. But you got away.”

“Because he thinks I’m dead.” She told him, her voice clear and empty of emotion, what she had done to break the chains.

“Jesus Christ, Nell.” He threw the ice bag to the ground. “It’s a miracle you didn’t kill yourself.”

“Either way, I was getting away. I was coming here. I believe, completely believe, that the minute that car went over the cliff, I started coming here. And to you.”

Because he wanted, too strongly, to touch her and wasn’t yet sure if it would be a caress or a furious shake, he jammed his hands in his pockets. “I had a right to know, when things changed between us. I had a right to know.”

“I didn’t expect things to change between us.”

“But they damn well did. And if you didn’t know where we were heading, then you are stupid.”

“I’m not stupid.” Her voice took on an edge. “Maybe I was wrong, but I’m not stupid. I didn’t expect to fall in love with you, I didn’t want to fall in love with you, or even get involved with you. You pursued me.”

“It doesn’t make any difference how it happened. The fact is, it did. You know where you stood and why, but you didn’t let me know.”

“I’m a liar,” she said evenly. “I’m a cheat, I’m a bitch. But don’t you ever call me stupid again.”

“Jesus Christ.” At his wits’ end, he stalked away, lifted his gaze to the sky.

“I won’t be demeaned, not by anyone. Not ever again. I won’t be belittled, and I won’t be brushed aside until it’s convenient for you to pay attention again.”

Curious, he turned his head, stared at her. “Is that what you think this is?”

“I’m telling you how it is. I did a lot of thinking since you walked out of the house yesterday. I’m not going to whimper and slide into the corner just because you’re annoyed with me. That insults both of us.”

“Well, three cheers.”

“Oh, go to hell.”

He turned completely around and stepped toward her. The dread curled in her stomach, her palms went clammy, but she stood her ground.

“It’s a hell of a time to pick a fight with me, especially when you’re wrong.”

“I’m only wrong if I’m standing where you are. Standing here, I did what I had to do. I wish I hadn’t hurt you, but I can’t go back and change that.”