Page 87 of Force of Nature

“I don’t want to leave like this.” He takes a step toward me and I instinctively take a step back.

“Well too bad. I don’t want you to leave at all, but hey, I guess we can’t always get what we want.”

“Please,” he tries again but the wall is already up. I feel myself shutting down and if he says one more word I’m likely to lose my mind.

“Just leave,” I push out calmly.

“I’m not leaving like this.”

“I said leave!” I scream, pointing toward the door.

He stands completely motionless for what feels like forever; his intense eyes locked on me, his expression conflicted. He opens his mouth like he’s going to say something but must think better of it because his mouth closes. He nods once before taking off toward the door.

I spin, watching him cross the room, my heart breaking a little more with each step he takes.

“I meant what I said, Lake. I really do love you.” It’s the last words that leave his mouth before he pulls open the door and steps out into the hall.

I manage to hold myself together long enough for the door to latch closed before I completely fall apart.

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