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“See you tomorrow, Scoops.”

“See you tomorrow.”

Only after she’s gone do I mutter, “So much for beating those ‘brother fucker’ rumors.”

I rotate to face Khaos, who’s just as unapologetic. Maybe even more so.

“Was that necessary?” Once again, I wave at the destruction he caused.

“Yeah.”

“And you had to take your shirt off to do it?”

His body flexed to the point his veins are sticking out, he says, “Absolutely.”

My nods get progressively more violent. I don’t know what makes me madder—the fact that he’s gloating or that he looks so good while doing it.

All he needs is a mask to complete the fantasy I didn’t know I had until this very moment.

A hand in front of my eyes, I hide his glistening torso from view so I can think. How are we going to keep this from my mom?

“You did it again, Silver.”

“Did what?” I drone, only partially listening.

We’re in so much trouble. I’m not sure how Graham will react but my mom is going to flip.

“You ran out on me.”

I drop my hand. Without him holding the chainsaw, it’s easier to focus. Slightly. He’s still shirtless and sweaty.

“When?”

“I told you I love you and you ran away. Kota, you fucking left me. Again.”

“That’s not what I did.” At least that’s not what I meant to do. “My friend was here and—”

“And you couldn’t have said that?”

“You couldn’t have knocked on the door to ask? Or texted? Or yelled through the fucking wall? God, Khaos, you’re insane!”

“Yeah? I told you! Only for you!”

Our stare-off grows more intense the longer we hold it.

Softer, I say, “Not just only.”

He lowers his voice, too. “Mostly.”

We’re quiet for another stretch of time.

“It’s not my fault you went off the rails.”

“No, but…I don’t want you alone with another guy.”

“I’m not going to cheat on you, Khaos. I meant what I said. It’s different with you than it was with Guy.” There’s a depth to this love I’ve never known.

“I know. I lost it over my own shit. Will you forgive me?”