Page 119 of Control Us (Next Generation 1)

“I think you should leave,” she said softly.

“Piccola, I just want what’s best for you.” He reached out for her, but she stepped back.

“How can you know what’s best for me when you won’t even let me figure that out on my own?” She shook her head. “Why are you here?” she asked. “Were you hoping to catch us?”

“What?” Stone looked between us both. “No.”

“Then tell me, why are you here?” Luna demanded.

“He’s here because I was hoping he would apologize,” Creena said. “He actually told me he would. But apparently my husband lied to me.” Her face hardened.

Stone looked away. “I—”

Luna’s shoulders slumped. “Leave. Just leave. Please.”

“Come, Stone.” Creena held out her hand.

Stone hesitated but like any good man, he listened to the woman in his life and did as he was told. He took his wife’s hand, letting her lead him away but not before I caught a look in his dark eyes. Sadness? Guilt? Who fucking knew anymore? But what I did know was that I had to make a decision.

Even if Luna ended up hating me for it, this would be for her. Always for her. There could be no other way.

“Prove to me that you’re good enough for my daughter.”

How the hell could I do that when I didn’t even believe it myself?

***

(Luna)

Once my parents were finally gone, I stepped up to Zach. Placing my hands on his chest, I stood on tiptoes to kiss his cheek when he grabbed my wrists and pushed me back.

My eyes widened. “Zach.”

“I need some time. I think we’re going to have to postpone our date.” Although the words left his mouth, he never looked me square in the eye.

“No,” I gasped. “Please. You can’t do this. You can’t listen to my father.”

Zach grabbed my arm and pulled me against him in a rough move. “He’s right, Luna,” he murmured into my hair. “He’s always been right. I’m not good enough for you. I never have been, and I never will be. I think you…I…fuck…” His body shook. “I can’t do this. Not with you. I can’t lose you but I…”

“You can’t have me either. Why?”

“It’ll break me if you hurt me.”

I leaned back, staring up at him. “You think I’ll hurt you?”

“You can find someone else,” he murmured, ignoring my question.

“No.” I cupped his nape. “I don’t want anyone else.”

“You need to move on,” he said, his voice flat.

“I…I can’t believe this. After everything.” I was vaguely aware that we weren’t alone. That our friends were in the living room, but I didn’t care. “Please, Zach. We can work through this.”

He looked at me then, his eyes cold. “No.”

That one word ripped my heart in half, and I knew right then that because of my father, because Zach was terrified to let me into his heart, this was it. I had lost him, and I had no idea if I would ever get him back.

Zach

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