And that was when my phone chimed with a message. I knew exactly who it was from. Un-fucking-believable. Goddamn it, Gavin. Why won’t you just give up? I shut my eyes, willing the universe to just go my way for once. That’s it…I’m done. Life fucking hates me, and I fucking hate it right back. Opening my eyes, I stared at Kiera with a blank expression. It was all I could do. I had no explanations to give her, and I knew she wouldn’t let this one go. Now I was fucked.

Anger again simmered in Kiera’s eyes. “Do you need to get that?”

“No,” I said, shaking my head. Absolutely not.

Everything about her tightened—her jaw, her eyes…her fists. “How do you know? It might be important?”

Why, why, why? Why was fate so determined to make my life hell? I let out a slow, calming breath. “You’re important…That can wait.” Forever.

Pain flashed over her face, eradicating her anger. “What can wait?” she whispered, looking deeply afraid of my answer.

I wanted to hold her, I wanted to comfort her, I wanted to tell her…but telling her wasn’t an option. I hated this. All of this. We’d gone through so much to be together, suffered so much pain to get to where we were, and here I was, hurting her again. I’d never wanted to hurt her again. I just wanted to love her. But my internal torment was too painful to share—sharing it would only amplify it. I knew I was being selfish, but I didn’t know what else to do. I slowly stepped up to her and moved to cup her cheek, hoping she would let me. When our skin connected, I poured my heart out and prayed it was enough.

“I’m not doing anything, baby. I love you. I’m being faithful to you.” I pointedly showed her my ring, my vow. “I promised…I promise.”

Dropping my forehead to hers, I begged for our relationship. And for my sanity. “We don’t have much time together. Please, just let this go…”

“Let what go?” she whispered, an ache in her voice.

The pain in my chest intensified, and I could feel my eyes stinging. I can’t. I can’t tell you. And yes, that kills me. Releasing a sigh of tension, I brought my lips to hers, seeking her comfort, her acceptance, even though I didn’t deserve either. “I love you, Kiera…please believe in me.” Please don’t leave me.