"I refuse," I say, but my voice has no bite or fight, and my fingers are shaking.

Not right now. Not when Ryan and I have just begun something new. Not when Ash is finally getting used to him being around. Not when he has his father with him.

I can't do that to Ash. I can't do that to Ryan. Not again.

He makes a small sound in his throat and pulls out his phone from his pocket and his thumbs fly for a moment before he presses it against his ear.

My heart plummets ...