FORBIDDEN CHAOS

had set in front of her. She wasn't hungry. She didn't even know why she cam

filling his shirt, jaw still sharp-but in his eyes. Softer.

ce dropped low, cr

to pick them up and throw them at him. Instea

le of. She knows me, Bella. Every weakness I've ever had. That night-" He raked a hand through his hair, frustration written

"Dragged you back? You're not a

tand her pull. It was a trap. I felt overwhelmed. But i

pathetic that sounds?" She shook her head, spoon untouched in the melting swirl of ice cream. "Y

one-way street, Bella. Don't act like you're spotless in this. I came to your ho

-sent a shiver down her spin

Why are you acting like I'm the only one at fault? You let him in. You slept with him." H

o not dare twist this. Who caused the drift between us? You did. You left me empty and doubting,

a long moment, silence pr

all this." His hand reached across the table, fingers brushing hers, tentative, trembling. "But Bel

torn between anger and the

ut she turned her face away. His lips l

" she w

, sharp as broken glass. The i

nd stood, gathering her bag.

speration in every

he message was short and demanding. Her throat tightened. Witho

s if ice cream and an apology could undo the damage he caused. She hated herself for coming. Fo

brought no relie

ed up, but you've been with Adrian, haven't you? Don'

his face. When she finally walked away, her hands shook. Her

at on the edge of her bed, head in her hands, wondering if she had the s

the door st

, hurried, impatient. This one was

. Holding two paper bags, the smell of takeout spilling

epping inside without waiting for her.

er surprise. "Adrian...

ropping the bags on her table.

heart. If only he knew where she'd been. If only he k

?" he asked, pulling o

She couldn't say Chr

id, hurrying toward the food to avo

ight through the lie. Then he smirked a

or appetite. But she watched him. Every time he smiled, something in her chest loosened. Every t

se. Too much.

ring?" he teased

," she s

e leaned in, voic

I'm dessert. And you know what

h caught.

g for her all along. She gasped, and in that breath he caught her. His

d lay u

he strength in his arms, the hard press of his body, and the urgency in every step. When he dr

s. "Tell me no, Bella. If you

't. She

rn between the man she loved a

and she knew the line between c