Page 60 of Give Me Perfect Love

“I have for years. This is nothing new for me.”

“And it’s killing you.” I look down at the beer as he holds on to the neck of it. “You’ve got a lot on your plate, and you can’t beat up people because you’re mad at the world.”

“That guy grabbed your ass, Kathrine. What was I supposed to do, give him a high five?”

I roll my eyes. “You can’t beat people up. You’ve got to learn to control your anger. You think you’re the only one who has issues? Look at me.” I place my palm on my chest. “Look at what I grew up in. You don’t see me walking around with some chip on my shoulder.”

“You’re better than me,” he says before downing the rest of his beer. “I need a shower. This conversation is over. We’re not taking a fucking break.” He tosses the beer into the trash and heads to the bathroom. “And I needed the beer for the hangover. I’m not an alcoholic.”

I groan and rub my hands over my face as the door shuts.

“I’m pretty sure I’m part of the reason he’s like that.”

I turn my head to see Jace standing at the door. “I’m pretty sure we both are.”

He kinda laughs and looks down at the floor. “Sorry about last night.”

I shrug. “Like I said, it’s your life.”

“Yeah, but Bryce didn’t want you seeing that, and I didn’t either.”

I roll my eyes. “Why?” I ask. “I grew up seeing people stick needles in their arms, Jace. I’ve seen a lot worse than powder.”

“Damn,” he says. “Care to explain?”

“My stepdad was a heroin dealer. He let his customers do it at our house.”

“Wow,” he says, scratching the side of his stubble.

I bite my lip as I look back in front of me before turning to him again. “Can you tell me why you’re doing the drugs?”

He shrugs. “Helps me forget, I guess.”

“What are you trying to forget?”

My love’s brother looks pained as his eyes go to the floor. He stares down at it, as though he sees something I don’t. Something that I probably wouldn’t ever want to.

“You come back from the war with things attached to you. It’s not easy to shake that shit.”

“And this is how you try?”

He looks back up at me. “I’m just trying to cope, Kat.”

I nod. “I think a man who served his country deserves a better life than the one you’re choosing.”

“I think there’s a misconception about that. Just because you do good things doesn’t mean life is going to be good to you.” He chuckles. “Besides, I did one bad thing and they kicked me out.”

“Kicked you out?”

“Yeah. Dishonorable discharge.”

“Why?”

He clears his throat and looks down again. “Same shit I’m doing now.”

Jesus. This boy is a wreck. “Are you addicted?”

“No.” He shakes his head, looking up at me.

---