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I shake my head again. “I mean, I have an aunt who lives in California, but we don’t have a relationship or anything like that. I’ve only met her a couple of times.”

Arden growls. “And I guess she never offered for you to come stay with her after your folks passed.”

The pancakes don’t taste so good anymore. They’re like sawdust in my mouth. I can barely swallow what I just took—a few sips of water are all that helps me swallow. “No, she didn’t.”

“Maybe if she had, you wouldn’t have ended up with that asshole ex.”

I put down my silverware and tuck my hands into the sleeves of my sweater. “Were you guys bored or something?” I mumble, looking down at the plate.

“What? What do you mean?”

Dash sighs. “We weren’t gossiping. But we’re all curious about you. You’re a nice girl.”

“I wouldn’t have told you about it if I thought you would go blabbing it to your friends.” I don’t bother trying to be nice, giving him as disgusted a look as I can. “I don’t like thinking about my life being discussed when I’m not around.”

“It wasn’t like that,” Ranger insists.

“I don’t care what it was like. This is why I don’t talk about things.”

“Hey, we don’t have to talk about it at all. Right?” Arden asks his friends.

“You know what, it doesn’t matter.” There’s still food left on my plate, but now I couldn’t eat it if my life depended on it. I reach for my coat, hanging on the back of the chair. “I have to go.”

“Wait, please.” Dash stands like he’s going to try to stop me, but I couldn’t care less.

I look around at the table as I punch my fists through the sleeves of my coat. “Is the money on its way? Can I expect it in my bank account?”

“I approved the transfer earlier tonight,” Arden confirms in a quiet, almost businesslike tone. “It should be there tomorrow once the bank opens.”

“Great. Thank you. Now you all know how important that money is to me, so you know how grateful I am.” I shoot Dash one more filthy look that makes him flinch, and something about that feels good. Knowing I can get through to him that he hurt me. Even if he didn’t mean to.

“At least finish your food.” Ranger stands, too, but I ignore him. I have to get out of here before I start crying, and I’m roughly three seconds away from that. I’m so ashamed and humiliated. They probably think I’m weak, stupid, somebody who would stick around and let her boyfriend hurt her the way he hurt me. The way people tend to judge girls in that situation.

By the time I’m outside, with the cold air hitting my flushed cheeks, tears are already spilling over my lashes. I should know better than to open up to people. At least I gave them something to talk about for a little while.

At least I have a way to get out of this damn city now. I can hardly wait.


Tags: Darcy Rose Erotic