Page 88 of Thorn Evermore
Neal backs against his door, eyes wide with fear. “I-I didn’t mean to.”
“Yes, actually, you did. You meant to torment me. Youmeant to toss me aside like an old toy, which I could’ve handled if you hadn’t then spent your days reminding me that you didn’t want me anymore.”
I crack my knuckles, making sure he sees how long my nails are now.
“Maybe if you apologize, I’ll show you some mercy.”
“What?”
“You heard me,” I growl, my voice oddly deep. “Say you’re fucking sorry, you piece of shit.”
“I…” He grabs his chest. “I’m sorry.”
“For what?” I take a step forward, inhaling the scent of terror wafting off him. “Be specific.”
“For… uh… Well, I was a jerk. I talked down to you a lot.”
“And?”
“And, um, I insulted you.”
“Mm-hmm. Keep going.”
“I made your job harder just because I could.”
My mouth waters. “More.”
“I acted like you sucked in bed, but you didn’t.”
“Why did you do all those things?”
“I-I don’t know.”
I take another step, glowering at him. “Tell me the truth, Neal. Why did you treat me like that?”
“Oh fuck.” He’s shaking now. “I… Well my therapist said I…” He blows out a breath, gripping the door behind him. “You’re scaring me, Kyson.”
“You should be scared. Why?”
“I’m jealous.”
“Jealous?”
He nods. “Everyone likes you. You’re so smart and friendly and sweet. When we were together people told me they didn’t get it. Why would a guy like you settle for me?”
“Who said that?”
“My family.” He rubs his forehead. “And I saw the lookshere. Everyone wondered how I got you. No one thought I was good enough.”
“So you tore me down to soothe your bruised ego?”
“And it didn’t even work. Everyone still likes you. They all think I was the stupid one for letting you go. I fucking hate it.”
“Well, that’s very sad. You should’ve kept seeing that therapist.” Dragging my hands through my hair, I smile as my entire body thrums with need. “We should have had this talk sooner. Maybe it could’ve ended differently.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means that we’ll both find peace tonight.”