85 The Force of Nature

- DOMINIK -

I'm lying on the couch, not sleeping, hand draped over my forehead, all of Vanessa's words repeating over and over in my head. The way her expression changed when she remembered Jazmin and I on the couch—it killed me. It made her question everything—every beautiful thing she had just said. But I didn't say anything after that. I let her question herself. I let her remain in that memory of being hurt. 

Why didn't I reassure her? Why didn't I make it absolutely clear how I feel? Because I'm a dick. And I'm terrified. 

Talking through all of it like I did—saying it out loud—reminds me of just how bad all of this could go. Not just for me, but for her—especially for her. I can't let that happen. I can't let her get hurt or suffer because of me, and that's exactly what we will be facing.