Places that don’t exist on maps.
Blood that doesn’t wash off.
Reg steps closer.
“Bro, you are not a monster,” he says, firm and steady. “You’re my big brother.”
But he’s wrong.
I know he is.
Just like I knew I was right when I told Uncle Uzzi I’m not mate material.
I drag in a breath.
Then another.
Forcing it down.
Forcing the Tiger back into his cage.
He retreats.
Reluctantly.
Still there though.
Always there.
“We can call her,” Reg says, softer now. “She might be at the shop.”
I shake my head.
“No.”
“Then go there,” he presses. “Like a normal person.”
I bark out a humorless laugh.
“Normal,” I repeat.
I look at him.
At the house.
At the quiet life he’s building.
“I’m not normal, Reg. Look what I just did. I almost exposed everything because I couldn’t control myself.”
My chest tightens again.
“I’m not good enough for Hadley,” I add, quieter. “I’m not good for anyone.”
I turn before he can argue.
Before he can try to fix something I’m not sure can be fixed.
“Rob—wait!”
