"That’s funny, considering that’s exactly what happened between us.Youstopped lovingmefirst, remember? And let’s not forget, you fucked someone else for three years and now have a baby on the way." I’m even angrier now. He’s given me no other choice than to throw his actions back in his face.
"I never stopped loving you. I made a mistake. I couldn’t abandon her once I found out she was pregnant. I just couldn’t," he whispers through his teeth.
“I don’t need to hear this, Austin. I’ve moved on. You forced my hand. I don’t want this anymore. I don’t want you. You made your bed, so fucking lie in it.” I can’t stop the tears from falling down my face. They’re not sad tears, though. They’re tears of relief and frustration, all wrapped up in one.
Hugging my arms around my torso to keep myself warm and calm myself down, he sees my tears as a sign of weakness.
A sign that I’m about to crumble.
An invitation for him to continue.
"Don’t fucking lie to me, Cassandra.You loveme. You aremine.I will not let you be with anyone else, especially him."He’s seething.
Spoiled boy, Austin Anderson, is used to getting his way.
"Tell me, Austin. Would you be as furious if I were here with someone else? Or are you just jealous because I brought Harley as my date?" I don’t know why I said that. He’s here as my friend, but I guess part of me wanted to enrage Austin more.
He’s silent, staring at me in shock, like he never expected me to bite back. Like he expected me to smile and nod and forget about everything,becausethat’s the girl I used to be.
But I know I’m right.
I could be here with literally anybody else and he wouldn’t bat an eyelid, but the fact that I’m here with his old best friend, his enemy, is the only reason he wants to 'win me back'.
"You know that’s not the case, Cass." He sighs. He’s forgotten that I know him better than anyone else in the world, which means I know when he’s being truthful and when he’s lying.
And right now, he’s lying through his teeth.
"Okay, let me ask you another question." I’m feeling brave. Because the more lies he tells me, the more truth I know. "Do you love her?"
Silence.
The busy streets of L. A. are packed full of people and cars tooting their horns, but the silence coming from the man in front of me is so loud, it’s deafening.
Running both hands through his light brown hair, it’s obvious he’s frustrated that things aren’t going his way. Loosening the tie around his neck, he tries to catch his breath. He doesn’t need to say his answer out loud for me to know it. But I still need it said. "Yes." His eyes glaze over, tears refusing to spill as he draws a staggered breath.
"Then go be with her."
But he doesn’t move. His face remains stern, jaw clenched tight. I can tell he still feels like he owns me, that I’m his property, and if he can’t have me, then no one else can.
"You’re making a mistake, being here with him.He’s nothing, but a broken, washed up wannabe. But I guess that’s what whores are drawn to, aren’t they? Was he the first man to show you attention since I decided I could do better? Did he promise to bring you home to his family? Oh wait, he doesn’t even have one of those."
"I don’t have time for this, Austin. Go back to your fiancé," I say, ignoring him as I turn to walk away, but he doesn’t let me. He grabs my wrist, holding me in place. "Let go of me," I demand, ripping my arm out of his grip, but he doesn’t. He strengthens his hold on me, and this time, I struggle to pull myself free.
Hearing the sound of footsteps behind me, I turn to see a red faced, rage-filled Harley approaching and my stomach drops at the confrontation that is inevitable.
"She told you to leave her alone," he says while gripping Austin’s throat. His voice is angry. There’s no denying that. His rage is under control. But I can see in his eyes that he’s close to the tipping point. He just needs one more thing out of Austin, and that will send him over the edge.
"Harley, it’s fine," I say, attempting to keep my voice steady.
"Yeah,Harley.She’s a big girl. She can handle me," Austin says as he winks at Harley, and I shudder as Bea pulls me closer to her.
"Please, Harley. Take me home," I beg, because right now that’s all I want to do. Go home.
Taking my hand, relief crashes into me like a tsunami as I drag him to walk away, and he does, reluctantly. But the relief vanishes quickly when Austin decides to have the final say.
"Yeah, Harley. Take the slut home. But when you fuck her, just know I fucked her first. She’s still isn’t worth it, Wingrove. Don’t waste your time on her." The words that leave his mouth are venom, and I know they’ve angered Harley in the worst way. They’re what he needed to tip him over the edge, free falling into complete darkness.
Before I can stop him, he drops my hand, turns to face his old best friend, and I watch as his fist connects with Austin’s face.
