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“Kyle, is it?” I bark out.

“Yeah…”

“If you step foot near my place again, I’ll break your fucking face. You hear me? Stay away from Lexi. In fact, do us all a favor and climb back into the hole you crawled out of.”

He raises his hands in surrender. “Testy,” he drawls out. “You know I got something that could help you with those anger issues if you’re interested.”

I take a determined step toward him, my chest puffed out in rage.

Walk away. He’s not worth it.

He laughs under his breath as he slithers away.

“What a slime,” I grumble, unlocking my condo.

I toss the bag of ingredients when the reality of the situation hits me.

He’s the neighbor.

When I found Lexi after a bad high last time, she told me that she’d gotten the pill from one of my neighbors. She never mentioned a name, but I’ve seen that kid around, and I know he deals. Only how did he know Lexi was back? Did she contact him? Has she been using while I was at work this week? There are so many questions filling my head.

She wouldn’t.

How do I know what she’d do?

If I’m being honest with myself, I’ve spent two weeks—albeit two incredible weeks—with her. But two weeks, nonetheless. Anyone can hold it together for that amount of time. Actually, no. Last time, Lexi couldn’t.

Back against the wall, I slide down it. Resting my elbows against my knees, I press the heels of my hands against my forehead.

“Fuck. Fuck. Fuck!” I roar.

It’s the worst kind of déjà vu. I’ve been let down by those I’ve loved so many times. My father chose drugs and left his wife and four kids. My brother lost his life to them. My other brother, along with his gang, not only used but sold them. I left that life, and fuck if I’m going back.

I love Lexi. I truly do, but I have to choose myself regardless. I know where this path leads, and it’s not good. If she can’t abstain for a week—what kind of future could we possibly have?

My chest aches with a pain that transitions from longing to hurt, and finally to anger. More than anything, I’m fucking livid. How can she say she loves me and do this when she knows what the cost will be?

That’s not love.

Maybe it never was.

She had me fooled. I thought she was the one…but it’s all been a lie.

I’m just the idiot who fell for it.

* * *

Beer in hand,I rest my elbows on my knees, sitting forward in the kitchen chair. I tap my foot against the tiled floor and stare at the door.

I canceled the dinner, telling my mom that I had food poisoning from the hot dog stand last night. It’s a lame excuse, and I feel bad because my sister loves those chili dogs and will probably boycott them now, but I’ll figure that out later. I just knew the last thing she and my mom needed to see is my breakup with Lexi.

Cam and Deacon should be dropping her off any minute.

I’m anxious for her to get here so I can get this over with and get on with my life. I had a good thing going with one-night stands and casual hookups, something I intend to go back to. Relationships aren’t worth it. Love isn’t worth it. It makes you care, which makes you hurt, and I’m not okay with that.

Finally, the door handle turns, and Lexi steps inside. I take a long swig of my beer before placing it on the table.

Her wide smile falls when she sees my face.

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