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CONAN

S lamming the wrench down on the side, I wipe the sweat from my forehead.

I’m doing anything to distract myself while I figure out a plan to win Hallie back. Or at least get her to talk to me.

“Fuck!” I slam my hand down on the bench.

And then I just keep tearing it apart. Swiping the contents from the shelves. Smashing glass. Anything to numb this agony.

I’ve ditched the drink and stopped locking myself away, but I still can’t stop it all from hurting.

If I’d known that love would feel like this, I might never have let myself fall so hard.

Nope. That’s not true. I’d fall in love with Hallie a hundred times over and never regret it.

I can’t give up on her.

She says she can’t be my friend. That I’m nothing to her.

But I felt her pain when she said those words.

The only way I’ll ever give up is if she kills me. And even then, I’d chase her through eternity.

Mine.

I just have to try harder. Starting with working on my anger.

I never want to scare her again. She needs to know I’d never hurt her.

Getting my championship win.

Burning the Decadence Chase to the ground.

None of that really matters. Nothing does.

The only fight that matters is winning back my girl.

My phone vibrates on the side.

I’m expecting it to be Declan demanding I get my ass back to Decadence.

I needed a break from that fucking place.

My garage is my solace. That’s where I’m staying until I figure out my head again.

As I flip it over, all the air is knocked out of my lungs.

I answer and freeze.

“Conan?”

Her voice is quiet.

She sniffles, and my heart starts to pound.

“Hallie, are you okay?”

“Yeah. Kind of. I need to see you.”

Fuck.

This doesn’t sound good.

“I’m at the garage. Want to meet me here?”

“Is anyone with you?”

“No.”

She’s holding something back.

“Hallie…what is it?”

“I want to hear you out, Conan. I need the truth.”

I blow out a breath. Am I dreaming? Why does she sound so upset?

Fuck.

I’m not even sure the truth will save my ass.

But I’ll get down on my knees and beg for her forgiveness.

“I can give you that. Why the change of heart?”

There’s a pause, and my palms start to sweat.

“I—I didn’t mean everything I said the other night, Con. I’ll never hate you.”

That’s something, I suppose.

“I’ll see you soon, trouble. Want me to order some food in?”

“No. Not hungry. Feel a bit sick today.”

That panic spikes in me again.

“Are you sure you’re okay? You sound…sad.”

She lets out a soft, humorless laugh.

“Because I am sad, Con.”

Fuck. That hurts.

“I’m sorry.” It’s all I can say right now.

“I know you are. I’ll be with you soon.”

She hangs up, leaving me staring at the wall.

Resting my ass on the bench, I look around at all my cars. Tears burn in my eyes as I stare at the car I bought for Hallie, sparkling under the lights.

Oil seeps across the floor around it. Crushed glass is scattered by my feet.

I need to clean up my fucking mess.

Story of my life.