Chapter 11

“Because I think it matters. And I went about this all wrong, for which I sincerely apologize.”

I stopped in the middle of the sidewalk. “Chuck, I had a shitty night, so now’s not the time for a heart-to-heart.”

“It has to be the time.” He grabbed me by the shoulders. “I’m sorry, Evan. I was an idiot, and I deserved the punch in the face. I was trying to make you jealous, okay? I knew you watched the fan sites, so I took a chance that you’d see photos of me kissing that guy in Italy. And then I did the same thing when Caesar’s Flame got back to town. I didn’t sleep with any of those guys, Evie. I wanted to get a reaction out of you. I wanted you to admit what you felt, but it seriously backfired.”

My heart stuttered at the use of my nickname. “Don’t call me that.”

Chuck let go of my shoulders and slid his hands down my arms to grab my fingers. “Why not? It’s my special name for you.”

“Not anymore.” I tugged on my hands, but he wouldn’t let me go. “Why do you have to be so…”