Get over it!

When I reach my floor, I’m out of breath. From the exertion and the rage.

Pulling my keys out of my purse, I stop in front of my door, ready to be inside and safely tucked away, safe from him.

The elevator pings, and I grit my teeth. My fingers fumble with the keys.

“Stop.” His voice is low, commanding, and for some reason, I obey.

I literally cannot move as he stalks closer. I am completely frozen in place, way beyond my understanding, but I let him get so close I can smell the smoke on his clothes. He leans his elbow against the doorframe, settling close beside me, and although I can’t move, I don’t look at him. I keep my eyes trained on the keys in my hand.

He leans in and whispers harshly in my ear. “Listen, sweetheart, we are not friends. I have no desire to rehash old memories or bury any hatchet between us. I’m not looking for your forgiveness, nor do I want it. You helped me, and I showed my gratitude, but that’s all you’re getting out of me. I know your brother is still a fucking crook, and I take my job very fucking seriously, so I know the little game you’re playing. Our friendship didn’t stop me from turning him in then, and it won’t stop me now.”

At the mention of my brother, I flinch, turning up toward him with my lips pressed tight together. I have to hide the tremble in my lip as I stare into those dark abyss eyes.

I want to hurt him so badly at that moment, and it’s a familiar desire that I hide from time to time: the craving to destroy something instead of fix it. The need to hurt someone instead of heal them. I have never hurt a soul in my life, but right now, I want to make Rafe Nolan feel pain. Then, I want him to die with it.

“Fuck you, Rafe,” I snap at him as I finally find my key and turn the doorknob. He’s still close behind me as I press into my apartment. Before I shut the door, I look him in the eye. “You can take your gratitude and shove it up your ass.”

I slam the door in his face, and it doesn’t fulfill this burning desire, but it does feel really good.

Chapter Five

Rafe

Why the fuck did I do that? I was supposed to be getting information about Ezra from her, and I just basically told her to fuck the fuck off forever. Something about her makes me crazy with rage. I don’t want to be nice to her or help her or even thank her.

I want to watch her fight off tears like she did tonight. I want to see her cry. Drop on her knees and beg me for forgiveness. Then I want to deny her everything she wants.