Lissy Romano

52| Happy.

Lissy Romano

Xander was driving like we had lives to spare, speeding through the streets like it was a game.

"We're going to crash! Stop driving like this!" I snapped, gripping the seatbelt for dear life.

His jaw tightened, his knuckles white on the steering wheel. "What were you thinking?" His voice was sharp, barely contained fury.

"I didn't—" I started, but he cut me off immediately.

"Exactly! You didn't. You didn't fucking think," he barked, pressing the gas even harder.

"What's your problem? Why do you even care?" I yelled back, my frustration building.

He didn't answer. He just ignored me completely, which only made me angrier.

"I didn't sleep with him!" I shouted, desperate for him to understand.

That got his attention. His eyes snapped to mine, leaving the road for a moment.

"You didn't?" His voice was skeptical, his brows furrowed. "Then explain the hickey and why that asshole said, 'we should do that again sometime soon'?" He mimicked the guy's tone with mocking disdain, his gaze flicking back to the road.

I swallowed hard, the shame washing over me. "We were just kissing. When he wanted to take it further...I pushed him away and left. I went downstairs to find Vi."

"Just kissing?" His voice was low, dangerous. His jaw clenched.

"Yes, just kissing," I repeated, meeting his gaze.

"It's never just kissing, Lissy," he growled. "You let some asshole put his hands on you."

"And?!" I shot back. "I don't have a boyfriend, Xander. Why shouldn't I kiss whoever I want? You're not my dad or my brother!"

His lips curled into a smirk, but it wasn't the charming kind. It was cruel, taunting. "Oh, really? Let's see what your brothers have to say about it."

"Fuck off! Let me out of this fucking car!" I yelled, turning toward the door, my fingers fumbling with the handle.

"Calm down," he ordered, his voice firm and unforgiving.

"Let me out!" I shouted louder, slapping at his arm and hitting him with all the frustration and fear swirling inside me.

Finally, he slammed on the brakes, the car jerking to a stop. Without thinking, I threw the door open and stumbled out, slamming it shut behind me.

I stood there on the side of the road, breathing hard, the night air cold against my skin.

Xander got out of the car, his tall frame intimidating under the streetlights. He walked toward me, his expression unreadable.

"Get. In. The. Car," he said, his voice low and commanding.

"Fuck off," I spat, pushing him away when he got too close. My heart was racing, and I hated how vulnerable I felt.

His tone softened slightly. "Baby, calm down. Let me take you home so you're safe."

"Why do you care? Why do you care about me or my safety?" I screamed, tears of anger and confusion stinging my eyes.