The reality hits me like a punch to the nose. I’ve never seen her so happy with someone other than Kir until Ronan.
I’ve never seen him go out of his way for a girl until Kimberly.
“Now, if you’ll excuse us, Kimmy and I have to talk about our date.” Ronan’s voice is clear, not mocking, just stating facts.
Date.
They’re going on a fucking date.
I stare at her, waiting for her denial. Kimberly doesn’t go on dates. Kirian is her entire life and she doesn’t like to be distracted from him. Besides, she doesn’t have the confidence to. I know because I watch her more than I do myself.
She can’t go on a date with Ronan of all people. It just can’t happen.
I smile at them, but I’m sure it appears like some lunatic’s rather than mine. “Nice try.”
“Who says it’s a try?” Ronan smiles back.
“Ronan,” I growl.
“Xander,” he coos.
I glare at him, communicating all he needs to know.
Stay the fuck away.
Don’t test me or I’ll crush you like a cockroach.
Apparently, that fate doesn’t scare him since he speaks in a dramatic tone. “By all means, if you have any objection, say it now or forever hold your peace.”
Kimberly’s gaze strays my way. It’s so hopeful, I want to fucking gut myself and step on the remains.
Why does she have to look at me that way?
Didn’t I tell her to stop fucking tempting me? To stop hoping for things from me?
The more she does, the harder I’ll destroy her.
“I do.” I glare at her as I tell him, “She’s a mess you don’t want in your life.”
Her face falls as if I’ve kicked her in the stomach, stepped on it, then did the same to a puppy.
This is the only way to keep her away.
Believe me, this pain is nothing compared to the other.
“Let me worry about that. I love messes.” Ronan’s grin is permanently irritating and wishing for my fist to erase it. He tugs on her hand. “Kimmy, anything you want to say to Xander while we’re in this holy gathering?”
She’s looking at Ronan as she speaks in a calm tone. “I can’t talk to someone who’s nothing. He doesn’t even exist anymore.”
Nothing.
Doesn’t exist anymore
I pretend her words don’t slice me open and leave a bottomless hole that’s feeding on my life essence.
My smile turns threatening. “You owe me, Berly. Remember?”
She finally faces me, expression stern, determined. Closed off. “I owe you nothing. I’m done begging for a forgiveness you’ll never grant. I’m done with you and your games and your cold shoulder. I. Am. Done.”