A Day of Ruin

“Dex, I swear to God, you better shed some light on what the hell that was about.”

We stood in the kitchen, a beer in each of our hands as I looked at him with frustration. He leaned down over the counter, his head down as he ran a hand through his hair.

“I don’t know, Finn. I really don’t. She’s been weird for weeks but I’ve never seen her like that.”

I threw my hands up in exasperation. “You live with her.”

He straightened up defensively. “So? We don’t exactly see eye to eye in case you haven’t noticed. I don’t know what is going on.”

My brows shot up as I watched his face involuntarily twist in pain, his muscles tense as he avoided my glare.

My heart paused in realization. “Oh my God, you’re fucking her.”

Dex looked at me, his face a look of shock as his jaw dropped. I waited for a denial but nothing came. Instead, I watched his expression change to panic as he frantically tried to find an excuse.

Anger flooded me and that desire to punch someone was becoming more and more isolated and specialized to the brunette in front of me.

I had no right to be jealous but fuck me, he was obviously hurting her. I had heard him talking shit, but then getting defensive and protective of her.

I couldn’t believe it wasn’t completely obvious before now. I suspected it last time and they had all but confirmed it, but I had told myself maybe it was in my mind or that it wasn’t a big deal.

That was obviously fucking bullshit.

“Look...” he started, his eyes alight with panic. “It means nothing. You can’t say anything, to anyone.”

This time it was my jaw that dropped.

“Are you fucking for real? Is that all you care about? What people will think?”

Shame flooded his features but I wasn’t done. “She’s having some type of breakdown. I don’t know if you’re the cause but I bet you’re not fucking helping! And all you’re worried about is your own ass?”

Dex slammed his hand down on the counter. “You don’t know what the fuck you are talking about! You think because you knew Harlow once that you understand this? It’s none of your fucking business!”

“At least I’m not treating her like a notch on my bed! Oh, lucky little Dex... getting to hate her in public with everyone else but fucking her since it’s convenient. What, is it because she’s your roommate? You just feel like taking advantage?”

He let out a yell and flew at me, his hands shoving me back in the chest. I fell two steps, before immediately turning on him and giving him a shove back. Dex came at me again, our chests practically touching as we stared at each other. My fists were curled at my side, ready to swing as I glared at him.

“You don’t know SHIT!” he spat.

“At least I’m not just thinking with my dick. She deserves better than a pathetic asshole!”

Dex stepped back, his face angry as he pointed towards the front door. “Get the fuck out and take your business shit with you! You can get fucked.”

“Gladly!” I snapped, stomping towards the door. As I passed Harlow’s closed bedroom door, I couldn’t help but wonder if she had heard any of that. Or if she was okay.

I had the overwhelming desire to check on her but with an arrogant asshole hot on my heels, I instead ripped open the front door and left without a glance back.