"He has a key to my apartment," she said, her voice hollow.
"Yes."
"He has a f*****g key to my apartment." Her voice was rising, alcohol making her bolder, angrier. "He can just walk in whenever he wants. Send you in whenever he wants. I don't even have privacy in my own f*****g home anymore."
"I'm sorry." Atlas pocketed the key, looking genuinely uncomfortable. "I know this is—"
"f**k off," Novalee said, the words bursting out. "f**k off with your apologies and your sad eyes and your 'I know this is hard.' You just walked into my home without permission. You violated my space. On his orders."
Atlas didn't respond. Just stood there, taking it.
"Get out," Novalee said, swaying slightly. "You did your check-in. I'm home. I'm alive. Mission accomplished. Now get the f**k out of my apart
