Page 108 of Double or Nothing

“We’re done.”

“No, I’m not letting you do this again.”

He moves past me to the door and opens it.

“Get out.”

Fuck that. I’m not leaving. I’m not walking away this time without a fight. If he wants us to be over, that’s his choice, but he’s going to hear me out this time. He’s going to be the one to feel the pain, not me. I let him break me once. I won’t do it again. Not for some stupid excuse, not because of his useless father, and sure as hell not because of Val and whatever wool she is trying to pull over his eyes.

“I’m not going anywhere until you hear what I have to say.”

Sutton folds his arms across his chest. “Then talk.”

“I don’t know what he said to you, but I know this. You don’t want to leave. You don’t want to hurt me. You don’t want us to be over. So help me God, Sutton, if you get on a plane again and leave me—we’re through. There is no going back. No begging forgiveness. Nothing. It was one thing to act out and throw away a good thing when we were kids, but now? You’re a damn fool if you walk away from us. If you let him win.”

“Him?”

“Your dad? That’s what all this is about, isn’t it? Your dad got into your head, and now you want to run.”

He shakes his head, but he knows I’m right. I know I’m right. There are only three things in his life that have ever driven him to do… anything—me, his music, and his father.

“So, what if he did, Kat? It doesn’t change anything. The contract is void. I have to go back to New York.”

“I’m willing to go with you, right this minute.”

“Your life is here.”

“My life is with you… or don’t you want that anymore? Did he convince you I’m not good enough or that you’re not good enough? Or is it Val? Did you spiral and fuck her last night?”

“Christ, no. I wouldn’t… This has nothing to do with Val and everything to do with me.”

“I know you, Sutton. I know you better than you know yourself. This? This has everything to do with your father. I refuse to believe you’re going to let him win.”

“Win what?”

“This game you two have played for years. He tears you down, you build yourself up. He keeps pushing, trying to destroy you. And you? You fight him tooth and nail. He wants to take everything from you because he blames you for all the shit in his life. Shit that isn’t your fault, but he’s just too weak to admit it.”

Sutton shakes his head adamantly.

“You know I’m right, Sut. You know he’s just a vindictive, hateful man. You’re not him, and you sure as hell don’t have to let him rule your life. Not anymore.”

“I know that!”

Raising his voice means only one thing—I struck a nerve. He knows I’m right, and he’s acting like an ass.

“Then don’t do this, Sutton.” My hand caresses his cheek. “Stay with me. Talk to me. Let’s figure this out. I don’t want to lose you.”

“Too late for that, Kitty Kat. I’m already gone.”

Rather than kicking me out, he steps through the door and disappears.

Chapter 49

Sutton

“You ready to go, Sut?” Val asks as she approaches. Her arms wrap around me, and while I hate the feeling, I don’t stop her. Val definitely isn’t what I want, but she’s better than the nothingness I feel.

My eyes dart around, searching for Kat, but she’s nowhere to be found.

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