“You don’t own me,” I whisper, and I move to walk away. Killian goes to grab at me, but Hunter shoves him.
Killian throws his hands up, and I rush out on to the sidewalk.
“Where do you want to go?” Hunter questions as I get into his car. I don’t know what I’m doing. I only know I can’t be around Killian or Hayley right now.
“I don’t care. Just anywhere that they aren’t.” I lay my head against the passenger side window and close my eyes as my tears fall.
The car stops in an empty lot. Hunter taps his fingers on the steering wheel. “Do you want to talk about what that was back there?”
“Why? So you can say you told me so?” I scoff. “Oh. My. God. Why am I even in the car with you?” I feel sick at my stomach. I sob and get choked. I cough and snot around, wiping my face on my sleeve. “Why are you being niece to me?”
“Because you need a friend. Listen, you know I like you, but I can see that you’re hurting. It’s just you should know that if you decide to dump that loser, I’ll be waiting to show you how you should be treated.”
Is he for real right now? I had a huge fight in the middle of a pizza place with my best friend and my boyfriend minutes ago. Why is he reminding me that he likes me? I don’t get boys. I don’t think I ever will. “Can you drop me at the dorm, please?”
“Whatever you need. I’m here for you.”
“Thanks, Hunter. You’re a good friend.” I sniffle and he drives me back to campus.
I don’t know why I got in the car with him. I should have gone straight to the dorm and packed a bag to go home for a few days. Maybe that is what I should do.
Hunter wanted to see me to my door, but I told him I could manage on my own. The last thing I need is for Killian to be lurking around and start a fight with him.
When I open the door, Killian is sitting on the couch with his head buried in his hands. He looks up at me, and his eyes are brimmed with tears. The sight of him here waiting for me and as upset as I am has my feet moving toward him.
His arms go around my waist, and I lean into him. In his arms I feel like I’m home. Nothing feels as right as when I’m with him.
“I’m sorry I stormed off. I shouldn’t have gotten in the car with Hunter.”
“No. You shouldn’t have, but I understand why you did. If I thought Liam had been with you it would kill me. I’d want to jump off a bridge. I’m sorry I am always hurting you, baby.”
“I know.” I sigh and bring my mouth down on his tasting the saltiness of his tears. What is it about him that has me running straight into his arms every single time he hurts me? Is love supposed to hurt this much?
“I thought I’d lost you and I haven’t even had you back a day.” He squeezes me tighter, and I can’t hold back my tears. Loving him hurts but not loving him hurts worse.
“I’m sorry.”
“Stop apologizing, Liri.”
“Where’s Hayley?”
“She caught a ride with Woodrow.”
“Really?”
He shrugs. “It’s none of our business.”
“You’re right.” My stomach growls.
“You’re hungry.”
“I’m fine. As long as I have you, I’m fine,” I promise.
“You can’t stay mad at Hayley. She has enough going on. You’re best friends. She needs you.” Him taking up for her has jealousy flaring inside me, but I try to dial it back. I know he is trying to smooth things over for, me but now isn’t the time.
“I know that, but I can’t be around her right now. I don’t know. I’m thinking maybe I will get an apartment. My stepfather wanted me to, but I thought living in a dorm would be fun.” I roll my eyes. “I don’t want to live with her anymore. If you hadn’t been here, I would have packed a bag and gone home for a few days. I can’t see her right now. I can’t stay here and look at her while knowing that she lied and that you’ve touched her in ways you’ve touched me.” I feel sick simply thinking about seeing them in the same room right now.
“Move in with me,” he says out of nowhere.