Axel steps closer, his eyes dark. “You sure were eating up the attention, though, weren’t you?”
I notice Johnny enter from the hallway behind him.
Great. He can have a front-row seat to my humiliation.
I throw my hands up. “So what if I was enjoying myself? Nik is funny. He’s kind. Is talking to him some kind of crime?”
“No!” He seems torn. “But what’re you going to do when he wants to do more than talk?”
“Seriously?” I blink. “You’re getting way ahead of yourself.”
“Am I?” His voice rises. “Nik doesn’t talk to girls without an endgame. He’s going to want more than just conversation.”
I scoff. “And that’s a problem because…?”
I’m baiting him now, and he knows it.
“Because you can’t stand to be touched!” he explodes. “What happens when he tries to hold you? Or kiss you? Or—” His voice drops, sharp and ugly. “—slide his hand under your shirt? Between your legs?”
His words stun me. He keeps coming forward, crowding into my space, backing me against the wall.
Too close.
Before I can stop myself, I curl in on instinct… eyes squeezed shut, hands over my ears, trembling.
“Fuck, Lina! I’m not going to hurt you! I would never hurt you.”
“I know! I’m sorry! God, I’m so sorry!” Shame rushes in fast and hot. I cover my face, breath shuddering.
“I’m not saying I’m ready for anything like that. But Iamallowed to talk to someone like a normal person. I’m allowed to have friends, Axel. And if I want more… No,whenI want more, that’smydecision. Not yours. Stop treating me like I’m damaged!”
“But youare!”
The words hit harder than a slap.
“Axel!” Johnny’s voice cuts through like a whip. “That’s enough. Take a walk. Now.”
Axel looks uncertain, but then storms off without another word. His footsteps thunder upstairs. A door slams.
Johnny approaches slowly, voice soft. “He didn’t mean that. You know he didn’t.”
“Yes, he did.” My voice cracks. “And he’s not wrong.”
“Heiswrong,” Johnny says firmly. “You’ve obviously been through hell, and you’re still here. That doesn’t make you damaged. That makes you strong. That makes you a warrior.”
I give him a watery smile.
“Axel’s just worried. And, you know… a humongous idiot. Feelings aren’t really his thing. Plus, he’s jealous you gave Nik your number.”
I bark out a disbelieving laugh. “Yeah, right. Axel? Jealous of Nik?”
Johnny shrugs, seeming indifferent. “Maybe not...”
He turns to walk away.
“But I know I am.”
My eyes widen like saucers.
