Ryder

Lila swallowed hard. Her voice came out small and shaky. “But I can’t help it. I can’t—”

“You have to!” I cut in, louder than I meant to. My eyes widened as the words rushed out. “Please. You know it can never work between us.”

She stood up slowly. Her movements were careful, like she was afraid the floor might crack under her. “Why not?”

I shifted back instinctively. “Stop, Lila.” I shook my head and raised my hand, palm out, taking a step away from her. “Just… fucking stop. Fuck!” The word tore out of me sharper than I intended. It echoed in the quiet room.

Tears slid...