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Mylower abdomen tightens, and a gentle orgasm pulses through my pussy, clenching and releasing, making me wishAdriancould feel my pleasure wrapped around his cock as he fills me with his own again.

Asthe orgasm fades, it’s replaced with an annoying, haunting whimper that echoes in my mind.

Thatfucking video.

Ifucking hate that he makes me want him.

Whycan’tInotwant him?Whycan’tIwant a decent guy like—

Mythoughts come to a halt.

He’sthe reason whyIgot jumped tonight.Hewouldn’t listen whenIbegged him not to drag me toDevil’sBridge.

Coldair is a welcome reprieve asIleave the bathroom and head for my room with damp hair piled up in a messy bun.Itake a deep breath of relief and close my bedroom door behind me.

Istop in my tracks at the sign of a person on my bed.

Tylies there with his hands behind his head, watching me with a funny expression in the lamplight.

“What?”

“Imade my decision.”

Mybrows furrow. “Decisionabout what?”

“SanAntonio.”

“Whatabout it?”Iask apprehensively.

“I’mstaying.”

Myjaw unhinges. “What?Whatd’you mean, you’re staying?Whatabout the studio?”

Hesits up on the edge of the bed. “Idon’t know what’s happened to you since you’ve been back here, but whatever it is, it’s not good.AndIcan’t go home toAtlantaknowing you’re not safe.”

Theboiling anger drops to a simmer.He’snot a bad guy—he just doesn’t know what’s going on.

Isit on the bed beside him, letting him take my hand and resting it on his lap. “Ty… you have to leave.”

“Why?” he demands. “Whywon’t you let me stay to protect you?”

“Don’tyou get it?I’msaying this to protectyou.I’mnot gonna let you put yourself in danger for me.AllIdo is hurt people, and you deserve someone who will make you happy and keep your heart safe.”Tearssting my eyes again, butIhave to say this. “I’mnot that person,”Iwhisper. “Ican’t be that person for you.”

“Youcould be if you would let them go,” he murmurs.

Myhead shakes. “YouhaveDirtyPeachinAtlanta, andIhaveNYBhere.That’show it’s always been, and that’s always how it’s gonna be.ZakandAdrian… they’re my bandmates.HowamIsupposed to let them go when they’re always beside me?”

Tydrops my hand. “Sothat’s it.You’realways gonna fight for them.”

Itouch his cheek, leading his eyes to meet mine. “Whycan’t you seeI’mfighting for you?There’sawful shit goin’ on out here, and ifIcan prevent it from taking you down, thenI’mgoing to.”

“Justtell me what’s happening,” he begs softly. “Tellme soIcan help you.Protectyou.Bewith you.”Hepauses to search my eyes. “Unlessyou’re hiding the fact that you really don’t want to be with me.”

Mythumbs rub back and forth across the apple of his cheek. “Idon’t think we were ever meant to be together.”

Hescoffs and pushes me away, stalking out of my bedroom and shutting the door behind him.

Tycan be as mad as he wants; as long asI’vedone whatIcan to protect him,I’mokay with him hating me for shutting him down.