ows, locking us in this home together. My eyes landed on Rory, cuddled up on the couch, her auburn hair glistening in the

're not getting out of here tonight, you know?" I attempted to seem nonchalant, while my heart

, wary. "I didn't ask to be

." I stepped closer, the air between us sparking with

cheeks burned, betraying her.

nough to see the sparkles o

s she glanced up at me. "You've alw

oice falling. "Because I know

now me anymore, Cole. You don't

Rory too well. She would distance herself from the minute I showed her how much

she turned aside. You are not entitled to do this. After all these

. "I never stoppe

terly. Therefore, why did you go?

my hands tight.

y back-off. "You ran away since fac

dly. "I witnessed you tie Rory's marriage together. I saw you choose h

hose him since you left me without options! Cole, you

said exactly. I fled since facing my own issues made me too

rs shining in her eyes.

e wind screaming outside. She had created barriers designed to keep me ou

allow forcefull

shment flashing over her

For departing." For injuring you. For I felt

g from her face leaving only raw

ny knife. I said, "I know," in whi

nfidence in you. more than anybody could possibly kn

t me". Confession came out before I could

. You ruined it for me. And De

n slid down my

e inspired me. You then tore away that delusion. Though it only made

me, weighty and stif

eoccupied fleeing. Her words faltered, the

d her to face me by laying my hands on her shoulders. "I was incorr

ars flowed down her fa

r cheek, my fingers wiping aside her tears.

s. You cannot simply come back and s

go away once more. Not at the moment. Not after seein

em with mine. "Cole, you hurt me.

st hers. And, should you let me, I will sp

her breath stoppe

y because you

st, resting there as though to push me away.

ips touching hers. You dete

ly on mine. With my arms encircling her, I drew her closer and

ous and bitter all at once. In us, in her, I w

th fright, just as fast as she kissed me. "I

or

e moved back. "This is exces

d. "You are not allowed to come back and treat me,

ootsteps resounding down the corridor. Her bedroom doo

stood there. Though I knew better, I wanted to

urned to the whirling snow outdoors. Which storm, the one o

just as I looked away. I took it out an

ave returned. She is mine.

re

y linger over us. It

wouldn't allow us