I laugh bitterly, a sharp, jagged sound. "Oh, you didn't have a choice?" I step closer, close enough that he can feel the fire in my presence. "You always have a choice! You had no right to step in! No right to go to them before I could!" My hands shake as I wave them in frustration, tears streaming freely now.
Caleb takes a careful step toward me, but I don't even see him, don't care. Lucas and Noah are watching, tense, unsure what to do as I pivot to face Zane again. My chest heaves, my breath coming in short, fast bursts. "I trusted you! And you…." I stop, trying to steady myself, my hands shaking as they fall to my sides.
Zane's jaw tightens, his eyes locking on mine. He reaches out slightly, a gesture meant to calm me, and I flinch back instinctively. "Elaine… I....."
"No!" I cut him off again, my voice raw. "I don't want your excuses! I don't want your reasoning! You had no right! None at all!" My voice is cracking, echoing off the walls of the living room.
