Page 120 of Resist Me

“Mm. I’d rather you just admit that you’re afraid, West.”

“Of you? That’s funny.”

“You said as much back at your place. I’ve never said that I wasn’t scared too. Can’t you see that you’ve completely changed everything for me? I’m begging you to stop pushing me away. Please,” I added when I worried he’d just leap over the edge and sprint off into the night.

“I can’t,” he said finally, dropping his gaze.

“You can.” I took either side of his neck. “Just try.”

“It wouldn’t change anything.”

He shoved me away with enough force to gain the space he needed to push through. I stared at his back, my jaw clenching.

“Don’t you dare walk away.”

He continued without pausing. No.No.

“You want someone to fight for you,” I called. “I know you do. You’re dying to be loved, so let me love you. Are you listening?”

Finally, he stopped. “What, Linc, are you saying you love me already?”

“No, but I’m saying I want you to give me the fucking chance.”

He whirled around and closed the distance between us. My heart raced and I was ready for him to finally give in, but he shoved me. Hedid it again, igniting my own frustration. I pushed him back and he fisted his hands at his sides.

“Leave me alone!” he shouted.

“No.”

“If you don’t go, I’m gonna hit you.”

I latched onto both of his wrists, holding them at his sides. “You’re not your dad, West. You’re not him. Look inside of yourself; don’t just react. Stop and think. What do you want right now? What do youneed?”

His nostrils flared. The tears in his eyes made the blue look like the ocean. Instead of waiting for him, I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and pulled him into me. He clutched the back of my shirt tightly and shook violently when he couldn’t hold back his pain anymore.

“I’m tired of being broken,” he cried. “Why does it still hurt that he doesn’t love me?”

I leaned back against the railing, still holding him to me. “Fuck him.” He laughed a little and nuzzled into my neck. “It’s not your fault. Everything he’s done to you is a reflection of his own issues. It has nothing to do with you. You needed this and I know it hurts, but I’m here. I’m not going anywhere, even if you want to hit me and yell at me.”

“I don’t want that.”

Pushing him back, I used my thumbs to wipe away some of his tears. “What do you want, baby?”

“I don’t know. Nothing. Everything. I don’t fucking know.”

“Do you want to be in this or not? You’re so terrified of me leaving you, but that’s what you’ve been trying to do to me this whole time. Want me to fight for you? I’ll fight, but if you don’t want that…”

His grip on me tightened. “Please stay with me. Don’t leave me.”

“I told you I’m here. I’m right here.”

His lip trembled as he nodded. When I moved in to kiss him, he stopped me. “I’m gonna get my stupid tears all over you.”

“I think I’ll survive.” I’d only just kissed him when he pulled back.

“Wait, I’ve been meaning to ask you something.” I motioned for him to go on. “Now that we don’t hate each other, can we have that duel? Obviously, I’ll beat you, but I need official bragging rights and it’ll make me feel better.”

“Damnit. Sure, but not tonight, you crazy bastard.”

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