The door to the apartment is unlocked when I get back. The back door to the bar is also open. I don’t really want to run into Gavin. I just want to get settled back in and drown my worries. But I can’t do that because I’m pregnant.

“Skye?”

I turn around. Looks like I won’t be avoiding Gavin after all. He looks horrible. I don’t think he’s shaven since I left. Or gotten any sleep. The bags under his eyes remind me of the big purses old ladies like to carry around with them.

It’s quiet for a second before he starts approaching me, clearly angry.

“Why the hell weren’t you texting me back? I got back from the bar to find a bloody towel, glass, and you gone! What the hell Skye?!”

I flinch at his words. I deserve everything he throws at me. This was a jerk move and I could have handled the situation differently.

He knots his fingers in his hair, pacing back and forth.

“I didn’t know what to think! I didn’t know how bad you were bleeding or if it needed and x-ray and stitches. All I knew was you were gone. I was worried sick. I couldn’t sleep or function. Why couldn’t you have responded?”

I would think Gavin was just being dramatic if he didn’t look like a hobo. Maybe I’m being a bit dramatic. He just looks tired.

My voice is barely a whisper as I answer his question.

“I responded today.”

He stops dead in his tracks, laughing.

“’Just wanted to let you know I’m safe’? That’s not what I wanted to hear! Andy told me you were safe. I wanted to hear why the hell you left without even leaving a note!”

I give up trying to explain myself, shutting down mentally to protect myself. I stand there, motionless as Gavin yells at me. I deserve this.

Actually?

No.

I don’t.

I cover my ears, closing my eyes before letting out a scream. That doesn’t silence Gavin.

“What was that for?”

“To shut you up. I don’t need to stand here and take this crap. I’m an adult and I can make my own choices.”

“But you’re living here and I was concerned.”

“Did I ask you to be concerned?”

“No but-”

“Exactly. That was your damn choice. I didn’t sign a contract that stated I need to tell you my every move and thought. This isn’t Fifty Shades of Grey, Gavin. I’m an independent person who can do as I damn well please. If you have an issue with that, let me know and I’ll leave again but this time it’ll be for good.”

This leaves him speechless. I was harsh and I know that, but in reality, he was too. Since he shows no sign of replying any time soon, I spin on my heels, trying to make a dramatic exit to the bedroom.

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

I take a few steps towards the bedroom before he grabs me, spinning me around and pulling me against him. Before I can protest, he presses his lips against mine. Hard. This takes me by surprise completely. Kissing me was the last reaction I was expecting and it doesn’t feel right. His lips are too frantic and desperate against mine. It’s not a meaningful kiss. It’s not apologetic.

It’s more like a rage-filled kiss.

I push away from him, wiping my lips with the back of my hand.

“What the hell?!”

He opens his mouth to respond but I put up my hand, silencing him.

“Don’t even say anything. I don’t think I can muster up any care anymore.”

I storm towards the bedroom, slamming the door and locking it. I grab all my possessions, throwing them onto the bed. I grab my phone, dialing Andy’s number.

“Hello?”

“I need you to come pick me up.”

“What’s going on? You sound upset.”

“It doesn’t matter. Stuff isn’t going right. Please just come to the apartment and pick me up?”

“Yeah. I’m on my way.”