Page 87 of Wade’s Wrath

“Your father was involved in trafficking women,” he continued.

Her jaw tightened. “I remember that too.”

“You killed Frank,” he said.

“Pretty sure I won’t ever forget that one,” she spat.

“Harlow,” he said.

“What exactly are you trying to say?” she asked.

Wade pushed away from the counter. “I'm saying your whole fucking life exploded, and somewhere in the middle of all that, you ended up with me.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Ended up with you?” That was the wrong wording, and he knew it immediately, but he still didn't fix it, probably because he was an asshole.

“You know what I mean,” he said.

“No. Actually, I don't.”

Wade exhaled. “Christ.”

“Don't Christ me,” she shouted back.

“I'm trying to do the right thing here,” he said.

“That's usually when people do the most damage,” she almost whispered. He went still because that one hurt.

Harlow crossed her arms over her chest. “Say what you want to say.”

Fine. “You need space,” he said.

Her face fell, just slightly, but it was enough that Wade hated himself. “I need space?” she asked.

“Yes, you need space to figure out what you want,” he said.

“Interesting,” she breathed.

“Don't do that,” he mumbled.

“Do what?” she asked.

“That thing where you get quiet instead of yelling at me,” he said.

“Would you prefer yelling?” she asked.

“Probably,” he said. It would make all this easier if she argued with him. He’d feel like less of an ass then.

“Fine.” She slapped both hands against the counter. “What the hell are you talking about?”

Wade almost smiled, but he didn't. “You need time to figure out whether you actually want me.”

Her anger disappeared. “What do you mean? I do want you.”

“You heard me,” he insisted.

“Yes, Wade, I heard you. I'm trying to understand why you're saying something so unbelievably stupid.”

“It isn't stupid,” he insisted.