I wrenched free, heart pounding in my chest. “Then prove it. Choose—me or her.”
He shook his head, face tightening with frustration. “You’re being ridiculous.”
I drew in a deep breath, steadying myself as I delivered the blow that couldn’t be taken back.
“I’m not yours anymore, Marcus. That ended the moment you chose her. I’ll live my life how I want.”
With that, I turned and walked out, slamming the door shut behind me.
And this time—I didn’t look back.
---
The city lights blurred behind rain-speckled glass as the cab carried me away, the glow casting streaks of color across my face. I stared out the window, Marcus' furious face haunting my thoughts, his possessive words looping in my mind like a broken tape.
Every word wrapped tighter around my chest like a noose. I needed air. I needed to erase him from my thoughts. My phone buzzed in my lap, his name flashing on the screen—Marcus. Again.
I ignored it. But the buzzing kept going—call after call. Then message after message filled my screen in rapid bursts.
Where are you?
Come back. Now.
I’m not playing around, Annette. Answer me.
If some guy touches you, he’s dead. No one else gets to. Just me.