I’m lying because I’d never do that to Blair, but if Nathan cares about anything, it’s his career and reputation.
He backs away, his body trembling as he covers his face with his hands. “I didn’t know. I didn’t—”
“It doesn’t matter. Maybe this will teach you to think about someone other than yourself. You’ve got twenty-four hours to tell her. I hope you spend that time drowning in shame.”
My face curls in disgust, and I make sure he sees it when I walk past, but the second I turn away, the disgust turns to anger. Everything comes back to that little fucker. It’s been like that for years. And now—
“I loved her, you know. I still love her. I’d never do anything to purposely hurt her. Not like you did.”
And my rage boils over.
My fists lock, and without thinking through the consequences, I spin around, covering the distance between us in two quick strides, rearing back my hand. “This is for Blair.”
My knuckles burn when they connect with his jaw, but I couldn’t give a fuck right now. This has been a long time coming.
“And this is for inviting her to one of your fucked-up parties.” My fist meets his face again, and I plan to go for round three until he begs me to stop.
“I’ll call her.” He sniffs, wiping his sleeve across his lip, staring down at the blood. “Just stop.”
“You’re lucky I’m not the asshole they say I am. And you’re lucky I believe you when you say you didn’t know. But if you don’t tell her, I won’t hesitate to fuck you up.”
I’m shaking as I turn around. My knuckles sting and my fist throbs, bruising already starting to appear, but it’s my chest that aches the most. All our pain could have been avoided.All of it. And as much as I’d love to blame Nathan, it all comes back to me.
The front door slams against the wall as I storm outside, my chest tight, my lungs burning.
I struggle to take in air, and I’m dizzy as I walk down the steps.
My phone rings, but it takes me a second to register the sound. “Yeah,” I answer without checking the screen, grabbing the wall for support.
“Zane Fitzpatrick?”
“Yes.”
“This is Sergeant Lennon from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.”
Fuck.My ears ring as the world around me fades.
“How can I help?” I respond nonchalantly while inside my stomach is churning.
“Circumstances have changed and we need you to come in for some additional questions.”
“Can I do it over the phone or—”
“We’ll see you here tomorrow. District One in Jacksonville.”
My head screams no, but I have no fucking idea what I respond or if I even bother to speak before hanging up. I can’t even remember how I got back to my rental. But the second I’m inside, my body crumbles and I struggle to fight back tears.
And while I’m aware of how fucked I might be, all I can think about is Blair.
One more thing that is going to crush her.
CHAPTER FORTY-NINE
Zane
AGE NINETEEN
My phone rings and I stare down at the screen before raising it to my ear. “Blair?”
