She wanted to cower away but stood tall. "You tell me."
He gulped. "I... What do you mean?"
She stared at him. "I think I'm being pretty damn clear."
"You don't know what you're talking about."
She laughed without humor. "Oh, so that's how it's gonna be? Was it because of me, Xavier? Did my father die because of us?"
He stared at her blankly.
She sighed, suddenly feeling very old. She'd loved this man. "You knew..."
His brows merged as he asked, "Knew what?"
"That it was your gang! Yet, when I asked you yesterday you gaslighted me! You made me feel like I was stepping out of line by asking if you knew any gangs that might be involved. Turns out, it wasyourWrath!"
He scoffed but looked relieved. "The only reason I was beingfirmyesterday was that I didn't want your guy friend to know that I belonged to a gang."
Her eyes filled up with tears. "And that gave you the right to belittle me?"
"Why would I belittle you?" he replied, angry. "You're blaming me! You want me to be at fault because you're guilty about tonight!"
She took a step back. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"You think I don't see the way you two look at each other? What am I, Giselle? Because I sure as hell don't feel important!"
Her mouth gaped. "What the absolute hell are you talking about? This isn't even about us!"
He looked away, huffing. "A very nice way to change the damn subject."
Her tears fell. "I am not... You... Don't talk to me that way."
"Why? Would it only be you who gets to blame and yell?"
"Xavier?" she whispered.
He took a step toward her. "I need an answer, Giselle."
She stood her ground. "So do I."
"I have nothing to say."
"You knew that it was your gang, and you kept it from me. You lied to me! I loved you, Xavier! I gave up everything for you!"
"So did I!" he roared. "I left everything for you! I have nothing!"
"Is it a competition?"
He ignored her. "Evenyou'renot mine!"
She shivered. "You're the one who's pushing me away right now."
"Of course," he said, "everything is my fault."
She had never felt this small in her entire life. Taking a breath, she tried to calm herself. "What do you want right now?"
He waited for a beat. "You."