I hadn't seen my boyfriend, Zane, in over a week. Not since the night Kyler showed up at my house. I didn't tell him anything—I couldn't. How do you explain the mafia threatening your life without sounding insane?
But I missed him.
Zane had always been sweet, always protective. He made me laugh. He said he loved me.
So when I finally saw his name flash across my phone, my heart skipped.
Zane: Come over. I miss you.
I took a long breath, staring out my window. Everything inside me was a mess, but I needed normal again. I needed Zane.
When I reached his apartment, he pulled me into his arms like nothing had changed.
"I was worried," he said, brushing my hair back. "Where have you been?"
"I… I've been working extra shifts." I lied. A little lie. The kind that burns your tongue.
"For who?"
I hesitated. "A private club owner."
His jaw clenched. "What kind of club?"
"Not what you're thinking," I said quickly. "It's clean. Fancy. Just waitressing."
Zane's face changed. Something dark passed through his eyes.
And then he laughed. But it wasn't the laugh I knew. It was hollow.
"You lying to me, Ash?"
"No," I said. But I stepped back a little.
He didn't miss that. "Who is he?"
"Nobody—just my boss. Please don't make a big deal out of this."
Zane looked at me for a long time. Then he nodded. "Okay. I trust you."
But he didn't kiss me.
And he didn't say I love you.
The next day, I was back at the club. Kyler was colder again. Distant. Like the moment we shared in his private room never happened. He passed me in the hallway, barely looking at me. His silence stung more than I expected.
That night, as I left through the back exit, a hand grabbed me.
"Zane?"
He was there. But he wasn't the same.
"I know who he is," he hissed. "Kyler. The guy who owns this place. You think I'm stupid?"
My blood ran cold.
"I can explain—"
"Don't bother." His hand tightened around my arm. "You're working for a mafia boss, Ash. You're hiding things from me. But you're gonna make it up to me."
His voice was low. Twisted.
He pulled out his phone and showed me pictures. Of me at the club. Of Kyler looking at me.
"You see, babe? I've been watching. And now I know how to use you."
My knees felt weak. "What are you talking about?"
He smiled. But it was the kind that makes your stomach twist. "You're gonna get close to Kyler. Find out his secrets. Or I'll tell the police you're helping him run illegal businesses. Let's see how much he protects you then."
I couldn't breathe. This couldn't be real.
"You're blackmailing me?" I whispered.
He leaned in, lips near my ear. "I'm using you, Ash. Just like he is. You're nothing but a price tag to both of us."
He walked away before I could speak.
And I stood there, shattered.
That night, I cried harder than I had in years. Not because of Kyler. Not because of Zane.
But because I finally saw the truth.
Sometimes the people who promise to love you… are the ones who break you the worst.