Serena's POV
"I don't need your protection," I told Ryan firmly, standing my ground beside his car. "I can take care of myself."
His jaw tightened visibly. "Kane isn't someone to underestimate, Serena."
"Neither am I," I replied, my voice steady despite the flicker of concern his warning had ignited."Besides… the thought of living with you again makes me sick."
Ryan's eyes narrowed. A shadow passed over his face—surprise, frustration, and something else he kept carefully hidden.
"You… really feel that way?"
I steeled myself and nodded, forcing the words past the lump in my throat.
"Don't come bothering me again, Ryan."
Turning away, I walked off without looking back.
I heard him sigh heavily before the window rolled up and his car pulled away.
Part of me won
