Chapter 45.1

Ari's message stirred up complicated feelings in me once more. When it comes to her, I'm still a complete coward. And I'm earnest about admitting it now: if it's Ari, I'll always try to run away from what I've been conditioned to do. I'll unceasingly be challenged with intense emotions because she has the power to evoke the worst and best in me, even if she doesn't really seem to recognize it.

And reading the message, a part of me is hoping for something else. Her? Who the fuck is this "her" she's referring to? Is it rational to assume we're talking about Chloe? My heart is pounding faster than it would otherwise be at this moment, and my mind can't get away from the fact that Ari is still bothered by Chloe.

I'm strongly contemplating responding to her text. What else would I say, though? Will I still persuade her to maintain her distance from Matt after knowing how angry she is? Will I warn her about Matt's mob connections instead? But I do have my own connections as well. Will I ul