Page 86 of Petals and Fangs

“And you're being impossible. Why are you treating me this way? Am I not good enough for you, Ethan? Is that what you're saying?”

“Stop this, Lily. You can't do this. Not now.”

“What am I doing, Ethan?”

“Please, Lily. Stop. This is not the time nor the place for this. You should be grateful that you are here with me, safe.”

“But you wish that I weren't. You wish that we weren't together.”

“Don't say that. Don't ever say that again.”

“Then what, Ethan? You're pushing me away; I can feel it.”

Ethan's gaze is intense and unyielding. His hands are gripping the steering wheel so tightly that the veins on his forearms pop out.

I can't believe what I am doing. But I can't stop. It's as if my heart is bleeding. And Ethan is not even trying to heal it.

“I need to think,” Ethan finally says, and I know that means he is not willing to talk about anything anymore.

“Okay, fine. You do that,” I answer, feeling frustrated. How dare he tell me that he is trying to protect me when all he's done is hurt me? It's been a pattern for us from the beginning.

We drive the rest of the way in silence, and the tension in the air is palpable. When we finally pull up to the curb, Ethan's jaw is clenched, and his eyes are blazing. He is not going to look at me. He is not even going to give me a chance. And that hurts me more than anything else. But I refuse to show him.

“Fine,” I say as I get out of the car.

“Lily, wait.”

“You'll have it your way if you keep treating me like this,” I answer, slamming the door shut and walking away.

“Lily, it's not safe without me.”

“You have made it very clear that you do not need me. Or want me.”

“Lily, I have so much in my mind. And yes, the company is failing, and I don't know how to handle it.”

“You don't have to do it alone, Ethan. I can help.”

“No, you can't. I have to do this on my own. If you stay, then you'll only end up getting hurt.”

“Ethan, please.”

“I'm sorry, Lily. I'm so sorry.”

“So, you're leaving me? Again?”

“No. God no. But I need you to listen to me and prioritize your safety.”

“And you're not telling me why.”

“No.”

“That's not fair, Ethan.”

“I know. But it's the only way I can protect you.”

“And the company?”

“I will fix that too. I promise. And I promise I won't leave you alone. Ever.”

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