Page 155 of The Baby Bargain
She doesn't realize it.
Ariel is—
She's going to make someone really fucking happy one day. Some very lucky guy. Someone who doesn't destroy everything he touches.
Maybe—
What the fuck am I hoping here? I want Grace happy and healthy. Even if that means I'm doomed to ruin everyone I love.
It's not that I still love her.
I do.
But not in the same way. I'm not in love with her. I haven't been in love with her for a long time.
It's just—
I'm not sure what the fuck I am toward her.
"All his love interests face horrible fates." That can't be what she means. But it's true.
"Well… yeah. But that's not his fault. It's comic book writers. They can't handle the idea of a woman who finds happiness."
I arch a brow.
"Like that album you love. With the car crashes." She half-smiles. "Why is that guy so obsessed with car crashes?"
"You think I know?"
"You listen to it all the time."
"Don't have a direct line to his head." If I could figure anyone out, it would be myself.
She nodstrue. "No. You're like the Daredevil in the show."
"Charismatic and buff?"
"Yeah." A laugh spills from her lips. Lights up her eyes. For a moment, it wipes away the tension in the room. Then she blinks and it's back. "You have this martyr complex."
"A complex?"
She nods. "You think everyone is better off without you. Even when they tell you otherwise. You think you have to save the whole world all by yourself. Even when other people want to help."
"To the point where it's a complex?"
"Yeah." She presses her lips together. "I mean, at least he has super powers that make him more able to solve problems. And, you know, he has that lust for violence he can't admit to." Her eyes fix on mine. "Maybe you're like that. Maybe you love being miserable."
"Damn."
"Oh." Her brow furrows. "I didn't mean it like… I was just thinking out loud."
"I'm not offended." It's not like I can deny the allegations.
"I mean, he's super hot and kinda dreamy. Usually. Until he goes off with that self-pitying martyr complex. It's annoying. And paternalistic." She rolls her eyes again. "Maybe he has abilities, but so do other people. He takes away their agency by stepping in all the time. Other people can help in their own ways. They want to help. But he pushes them away and makes it his fight and his alone. And that's just… it's bullshit."
I can't help but chuckle.
"What?"
