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… f*****g stop. f**k!” The word tore out of me sharper than I intended. It echoed in the quiet room.
Tears slid down her cheeks. She wiped them away quickly with the back of her hand, but more followed. Her shoulders trembled. “I really shouldn’t have done this with you,” she said. Her voice cracked on every word. “I shoul
