Page 27 of Injustice and Absolution

“This won’t happen again.”

My head snaps up, and I abandon my shorts, which are on but not yet buttoned.

“Stop it. You don’t mean that.”

But I know he does. We’ve been here before, even if the last time it was only a kiss.

“I do.”

“You want me, and you want me for more than a one-night stand. I can see it in your eyes, Royce.” I approach him, placing my hand on his chest. “I can feel it in your heart.”

He nods slightly, and I think he’s about to come back to me. But then he speaks.

“Yeah, I want you, Delilah. But ours is a story written under two different skies. I’ve lived my life. I’ve made mistakes and had to deal with the consequences of my actions. Enough to know I don’t want to make any more.”

There’s that word again.

He needs a fucking thesaurus.

“Your life is only just beginning. There are so many incredible experiences ahead of you. Find someone your own age to enjoy them with, kitten. Someone who is worthy of you. Not some grumpy old fart like me who won’t bring any value to your life.”

Hot tears stream down my face, leaving salty streaks in their wake. I can’t believe this is happening.

With a final, sorrowful glance from Royce, he leans down and kisses me on the forehead. My mind is screaming, telling me to hold onto him, to yell at him, to fight for what I want, to tell him he’s being a big idiot.

But I can’t.

My muscles don’t work. My mouth can’t form words. My mind paralyzes my body so I can’t move. So my heart won’t crumble into pieces at his feet.

So I can’t feel pain worse than any I’ve felt in my life before tonight.

“Be careful out here by yourself.”

His concern stabs me in the open wound he just inflicted.

As I watch him walk away from me, the feeling of being completely alone settles in my soul.

I don’t move for a long time after that, but eventually, my tears halt, their streaks dry, and I remain in the quiet stillness of the night.

Alone.

PART TWO

CHAPTER TEN

DELILAH

Present day

It’s been several weeks since Royce’s second—andfinalif I have any sense of self-preservation—rejection of me.

As I sat on that rock, watching the soft glow of early morning light brighten the sky over me, it was like removing a blindfold from my eyes.

I decided then and there that I needed to look for a new job and save up for a cheap apartment. I should have done both a while ago, maybe as soon as I turned eighteen, but I felt anchored to the stone yard and house by Royce.

Like a child in desperate need of attention, I was forcing myself to remain in his presence. I wanted him to see me. I yearned for him to desire me.

Now all I want from him is distance.

---