Page 177 of Less

“LIAR!”

Before I can react, she swings the gun sideways and strikes me across the face.

Pain explodes through my cheek.

I stumble and fall hard against the wet concrete.

Stars burst behind my eyes.

Blood floods my mouth.

The world spins.

“Stop making me feel sorry for you!” she sobs.

“Stop being so good!”

I push myself upright.

Dizzy.

Terrified.

My face throbbing.

But I refuse to give up.

Not now.

Not when I've finally found happiness.

Not when I've finally found Less.

Because I want him.

I want us.

I want forever.

And damn it—I deserve it. We both do.

“Brielle,” I whisper through the blood in my mouth.

“It’s not about luck or what we deserve. The fact is, I love him. We are in love, and you don’t just happen upon something like that—it’s fate. It’s a choice. I love him!”

She recoils like I've stabbed her.

“I know!”

“And he loves me.”

“SHUT UP!”

“But it never had anything to do with you! You don’t get someone to love you by hurting people!”

That earns me another blow.

My head snaps sideways.