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“Nothing, except you’re hurting,” she replies, frustration lacing her words. “And pushing people away isn’t going to help.”

“Stop acting like you know me.” I lean back against the wall, glaring at her. “You don’t.”

“Then let me in,” Alexa urges, her voice softening. “Let someone help.”

“Why would I do that?” I snap, but I feel the crack in my armor, the vulnerability creeping up on me.

“Because Miles cares about you,” she presses. “The whole club cares too and you’re shutting them out.”

“Good,” I bite my lip, swallowing the truth lodged in my throat. “Maybe I want to be alone.”

“That’s not what you really want.” Her gaze is steady, unwavering.

“Just drop it already!” I shout, throwing my hands up in frustration.

The room feels too small, too suffocating.

“Fine,” she concedes, but I see the disappointment in her eyes.

It cuts deeper than any wound.

“Can you both just leave me alone?” I plead, desperation spilling from my lips.

“Stiletto…” Cheyenne begins, but I don’t want to hear it.

“Please,” I whisper, the fight draining from me.

“Okay,” Alexa finally says, standing up.

She glances at Cheyenne, who follows suit.

“Take care of yourself, okay?” Cheyenne murmurs softly, but all I can feel is the emptiness settling around me as they walk out.

I shut the door behind them, leaning against it, breathing heavily.

“Stupid,” I whisper to myself. My voice feels foreign, like I'm talking to a stranger.

I take a shaky breath and head into the bathroom.

The harsh light stings my eyes.

I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror.

Who is this person standing here?

Dark circles shadow my hazel-green eyes.

My cheekbones jut out too far, skin pale and clammy.

I run a finger along the edge of my jaw, feeling the hollowness.

“Look at you,” I mutter, disgust curling in my stomach. “Pathetic.”

Tears spill over, warm trails down my cheeks.

I wipe them away with the back of my hand, but more come.

They won’t stop.