"I want you back."
Emerald stared at Rick like he'd grown a second head.
"I'm sorry, what?"
His eyes didn't waver. "You heard me."
She blinked. "Is this some kind of sick joke? Because if it is, you're two seconds from catching a punch to the throat."
Rick's lips twitched, but he didn't smile. "No games. I'm serious."
Emerald blinked at him, half-expecting him to smirk, to laugh, to drop the act, but he didn't. Instead, he stared at her like he meant every word.
She took a step back. "Well, that's unfortunate. You picked the wrong night to try honesty."
She turned to walk away.
He grabbed her arm gently, but firmly, pulling her back around. "Don't walk away from this, not until you answer me."
"I don't owe you anything," she snapped, wrenching her arm free. "I don't owe you any answer or closure, and especially not forgiveness."
