Page 35 of Fragments of You

“And it’s your fiancé, since it would seem you need reminding.”

“Huh?” I give him a strange look, a bit caught off guard by his abrupt shift in mood.

“You said boyfriend.”

“I did?” I shake my head, having not even realized it.

“You did.”

“Are you mad at me?” His reaction blindsides me as Felix is usually such an easygoing person.

“I just don’t understand why you would call me that.” He turns, picking up the dragon fruit he had just abandoned before dropping it into the cart, almost as if to spite me.

“It was an honest mistake. Up until a couple of months ago, you were my boyfriend.” I touch his arm. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” he snaps, immediately backtracking when he sees my hurt expression. “Shit, babe, I’m sorry. I don’t know what my problem is.”

“Are you sure you’re okay? If something is bothering you, you can tell me.”

“No, I’m good. Let’s get this done so we can go home where I can kiss you good and proper.” He looks at something behind me, his expression shifting slightly. “But I’m going to steal one more to hold me over.” His mouth is on mine so quickly, I barely have time to process the movement.

“Felix.” My objection is silenced when he swipes his tongue along mine, slow and deep.

“See, that wasn’t so bad.” He grins as he pulls back.

“Well, don’t you two look cute.” I tense at the too-familiar voice that comes from behind me. “Was the show for me, or was there someone else’s nose you were trying to rub in shit?”

It’s like someone has dumped a bucket of ice water straight down my back, chilling me straight to the bone.

“I didn’t even see you there.” Felix’s smile stretches in an almost taunting way.

I reluctantly turn, my eyes locking with Nash’s for a brief moment before they dart to his left, where Iris stands with a cart.

“If your game is to show how desperate you are, you’re doing a fantastic job,” Nash fires back.

“Desperate.” Felix barks out a humorless laugh. “I think you’re getting the two of us confused.”

“Come on, Felix. We should go.” I start to move, but he grabs the side of the cart, stopping my progression forward.

“No, he should leave. It’s what he’s good at anyway.”

“You know what else I’m good at.” Nash bares his teeth. “Beating your fucking ass.”

“You caught me off guard the other day. You got lucky.”

“Do you want to test that theory?” Nash takes a step forward and on instinct, I immediately abandon my cart to step in between him and Felix.

“This is not the place,” I say to Nash directly.

“I could say the same to you.” He doesn’t seem angry... If anything, he seems hurt, and for some reason this bothers me more than if he was mad.

I shouldn’t care if my actions hurt him. Not after everything... And yet, I do.

“Don’t you have a fucking needle to stick in your arm?” Felix says from behind me and in an instant every ounce of blood drains from my face.

“That’s enough!” I shout, my voice carrying through the store like I’ve just shouted through a megaphone. I spin around so fast I damn near fall. “What is wrong with you?” I look up at Felix, not sure I recognize the person staring back at me at the moment.

“Me?” His nostrils flare in anger. “What about him? He fucking started it. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised you’d take his side.”

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