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"Stay," I command him.

To my surprise, he does, crossing his arms and watching me with barely concealed contempt.

I rub my cheek, which stings like a bitch. "Well, that went well."

"You're an asshole," he says simply.

"So, I've been told." I drop into my chair. "But I'm an asshole who's trying to keep her alive."

"By insulting her? You have such great strategy."

I glare at him. "You let her convince you to take her some place instead of bringing her back here. Excuse me if I don't consider you the authority on good decisions."

He doesn't flinch. "She needed to feel normal. To feel in control of something in her life. Haven't you noticed? Everything's been taken from her and she's clinging to whatever scraps of freedom she can find."

I hate that he's right. I hate even more that he understands her in ways I haven't bothered to.

"Just... keep her safe," I mutter, dismissing him with a wave. "And next time, answer your fucking phone."

He gives me a mocking salute and leaves.

I sit alone for exactly forty-three seconds before standing up and following Dahlia.

I knock on her bedroom door. No answer.

"Dahlia, open the door."

"Go away."

"I want to apologize."

A pause, then I hear footsteps. The door swings open, and she stands there with red-rimmed eyes that punch me in the gut.

"You made me cry," she accuses. "I never cry."

"I'm sorry." The words feel foreign on my tongue. "I was worried, and I lashed out."

She studies me for a moment, then steps back to let me in. The suite is spacious but impersonal… I had it decorated in neutral tones with minimal fuss.

"I shouldn't have slapped you," she says, sitting on the edge of the bed.

"I deserved it." I remain standing, keeping a safe distance between us. "What I said was unforgivable."

"Then why say it?"

I run a hand through my hair. "Because I was jealous, okay? The thought of you with someone else drives me crazy."

Her eyes widen slightly. "Jealous? You barely know me, and we're always fighting"

"I know enough." I step closer, drawn to her like a moth to flame. "I know you're brilliant. I know you're stubborn as hell. I know you taste like honey and fire."

Her breath catches. "Evan..."

"I know I want you." I take another step. "I know I can't stop thinking about you."

She stands, and we're toe to toe now. "This is a bad idea."

"The worst," I agree, my gaze dropping to her lips. "Tell me to stop."