“It’s over, Bailey. Let’s just go back to our lives, how it was before the bet. Please.”
I took a deep breath as his eyes darkened, as he spoke through gritted teeth.
“Why? Because we aredifferent?Or because the way I make you feel scares the crap out of you?”
I studied him, taking in every feature I had come to love so much, from his dark lashes, the dimples in his cheeks, the way his eyes changed color when he became angry. His hair flopped into his eyes, and he pushed it back angrily.
“Because being with you makes me someone I am not.”
“Being with me makes youhappy.”He argued, his voice shaking. I could see the vein bulging in his neck, and I realized I had to leave before it got more heated.
“I’m sorry.” I backed away as I hurried down the street, my eyes filled with tears. I couldn’t see where I was going, my vision obstructed by the anguish I felt in my soul. I began to sob as I reached for my phone, intent on calling a cab.
How the fuck did I get into this situation? I should have told Bailey to get lost when he first spoke to me in the hall.
I became aware of footsteps behind me, and I quickened my pace, not wanting to turn to see who it was.
“Annabelle.”
The voice made me slow down, commanding me to wait.
“Let me take you home.”
I didn’t want to see Bailey. I knew if I had to look at him again, I would be back in his arms again. I felt his arms around me as he murmured into my ear.
“I’m so fucking sorry for putting you through any of this. Let me take you home; I couldn’t live with myself if anything happened to you.”
His voice was gruff, his arms strong and warm as he held me, and I tried to control the sobs. I allowed him to guide me to his car as I slumped in the passenger seat, my head in my hands as I stared out of the window. I heard him get in beside me and sigh, and I prayed he would just drive. After what seemed like forever, he started the engine, and he pulled away, the journey back to mine excruciating and silent. When we reached my house, I went to open the door when he put his hand on mine.
“Please, just think about it. We could work. I swear it could.”
I looked at him with sadness as I gave him a small smile.
“I think we both know that only works for cliches in books and films. In real life, it just doesn’t work out. Thanks for everything.”
I left the car before the second set of sobs racked my body, the pain almost unbearable. The thing was, this would be better than staying with him any longer. We had barely been together a week; imagine if this had gone on any longer. I opened my door to see my mother asleep on the sitting room chair, a romance novel on her chest as she dozed. I stood silently as the tears fell and watched her sleep peacefully and free of heartbreak. I envied that because I realized that despite everything, Bailey was right.
I had fallen for him.
Bailey's POV
I sat outside Annabelle's house for at least twenty minutes, wondering whether to bang her door down until she answered, demanding she gives us a chance. But how could I do that? Myfriends,my fucking shitheadfriends, had just destroyed the only thing in my life that made me happy.
Annabelle.
I was furious. I glanced at her house and saw her bedroom light turn on, turning off shortly after. She must be going to bed. She wouldn't sleep; she was too upset.
What am I going to do about it?
I drove back to the party, rage bubbling up inside of me. I parked the car, slamming the door hard as I stormed towards the house, pushing past people as I looked for them. I saw Axel's eyes light up with recognition, his smile widening.
"Got rid of her then? Thought you'd come to your senses. Chase said she is boring as fuck; what were you thinking?"
I didn't think as my fist connected with Axel’s face, knocking him clean off the barstool he sat so cockily on.
"You are fucking out of line. How dare you!" The redhead screeched as I turned my glare to her, grabbing a drink and throwing it in her face as she spluttered and coughed dramatically.
"Anyone else?"
