Page 52 of Flawed

It's not.

We can't end things like this.

There's no good solution. She's better off if I leave her alone.

I promised her I'd return.

Mustering my courage, I knock on her door. The longest minute of my life passes before I hear, "Go away, Luca."

My gut sinks. I knock again.

She doesn't change her mind. "I said go away!"

I sink lower, threatening, "Should I discuss our business in the hallway so your neighbors hear?"

A sad, emotion-filled laugh hits my ears. "Do you think I care anymore?"

I close my eyes and press my forehead on the door. "Please open the door."

"Why can't you just go?" she asks.

I ponder her question then honestly answer, "Because I can't."

"Why?"

"I don't know. Please give me five minutes," I beg.

Several minutes pass and then I hear the door unlock. I step back and wait for her to open it. She finally does, and my heart sinks lower.

Her eyes are red and swollen. She looks exhausted, but most of all, she glares at me with hatred.

I step inside, close the door, and tug her into my arms. She pushes against my chest, but I don't release her. She finally gives in and sobs.

I've never felt so horrible, but it only gets worse.

She catches her breath, looks up, and says, "If you care about me at all, you'll leave me alone, Luca."

"Don't say that."

Her bottom lip trembles. She raises her chin. "I mean it. If there's any good left in you, you won't come back here. If you see me around town, you'll walk the other way. I'm begging you to let me move on."

A knife slashes through my heart. I want to object, but I can't. Too many emotions are lodged in my throat.

"Please," she whispers, closing her eyes.

I swallow hard and cup her cheeks.

She opens her eyes, and warm tears fall over my hands.

I ask, "Is this what you really want?" I beg her inside my head to say no.

She hesitates then slowly nods. "Please."

Before her, I never knew what it was like to feel crushed by a woman. Now, I can honestly say it's the worst thing on Earth.

"Please, Luca," she implores again.

Saying nothing, I slowly nod my head. Then I kiss her on the forehead and leave, hating myself more than ever.

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