Page 108 of Falling in Reverse

But with the shift of power that’s approaching, I’m not looking to add any more to my plate.

“You know I love you,” she quickly returns. “It’s time you really let that sink in.”

“I wish you’d let the fact that I really don’t give a fuck about it anymore sink in. You fucked up a long time ago. I don’t understand what you thought was gonna change.”

“I did mess up,” she agrees with a deep breath. “I know. However, he’s out of jail on good behavior. He’s fine now.”

“He lost out,” I snap, my jaw tightening so hard that it feels like one wrong move and it’s gonna break off. “You took years from his fucking life. I’ll never forgive you for that. You might as well stop trying and save yourself the energy.”

“Stop trying?” She leans over the center console, the familiar smell of roses filling my nose and I want to do a tuck and roll out of this fucking car.

The constant, determined-as-all-hell state of mind with us getting back together is never going to happen. She’s been on this kick for years and nothing’s stuck yet.

It’s like beating a dead animal, you can’t resurrect the thing to feel anymore.

“We’re getting married?—”

“We’re not.”

I see her frown out of my peripheral. “You bought me a ring.”

She holds up her left hand, exposing the small piece of jewelry that I bought for her over six or seven years ago.

Vivian has never taken it off. Even when I broke up with her, threatened to kill her, and avoided her at all costs.

She’s literally my fucked-up stalker.

“Get a clue, Viv.”

“You promised,” she clips out, my stomach knotting and my temper beginning to crest the more she speaks. “We made plans and you got mad…I understand that.”

“You fucking cheated on me,” I bark out, squeezing the wheel like it’s her neck. “Then you fucked my brother over with your lies. My promise was voided at the time. Don’t get it twisted, I don’t want to protect you. I don’t want you to have my name. I don’t want you in my sights. I won’t cherish you, I won’t forgive you, and if you keep pushing me I swear to God I’ll purposely make your life a living hell.”

“Don’t say things you don’t?—”

“Mean?” A mirthless chuckle reverberates in my chest. “Nah, girl, it’s a fucking fact. When I run Wharf Bay and take over for my father, you won’t be pulling the shit you are now. This is leniency, Viv. A gift. The only one you’re ever going to get from me.” My cell goes off and I use that opportunity to dip out and end this worthless conversation. “What?”

“You said to call you if a dark-haired girl was runnin’ product through again.”

Bay.

My interest is suddenly on her.

Her.

Shouldn’t be, but it is. It’s fucking better than Vivian.

I have our crew on the lookout for a female runner, we don’t spot those ever, and to call me immediately so I can handle it. Unfortunately, though, I have another pain in my fucking ass with me.

“Where?” I solicit, drumming my fingers against the leather-bound wheel.

“Del Flora Street.”

My brows knit, but I’m not surprised. That street is along the edge of The Landings, so she was trying to get her ass through on one of the less busy streets.

“I’ll be there in a minute,” I profess. “Hold her there.”

Hanging up the phone, I do a U-Turn in the middle of the street.

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