25.1

I can do this.I’m going to do this.

I only wish I didn’t feel like I have to look over my shoulder the whole time, like Gianni’s going to jump out from behind a trash can or something. I can’t trust him not to follow me around. And he expects me to give up almost everything.

I can’t do that. I won’t. Even if it means I can’t be with him.

The way it has all morning, the thought makes me feel sick. Why does he have to be the way he is? There’s a difference between being sexy and commanding and telling me what I can and cannot do. He might have relented for now, but I’m understanding the way he thinks. He’ll find another way to control me.

Now I’m supposed to learn to live without him. I hate him for putting me through this.

But not enough to walk into the building and up to the apartment I plan on leasing. I was just fine getting here and walking up to the front stoop, but this is as far as my feet want to carry me. It’s just a lease. I can do this—no, I need to do this.

But what happen