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Breaking Point

Cash's POV

Cash didn't know why he felt like this. Why his chest tightened every time he saw Alle with Mav. He knew she had feelings for his brother, and he had tried to be okay with it. But watching her sit by his side, holding his hand like that? It stung.

"I got you some water," he muttered, placing a bottle on the table near Mav's bed.

Mav gave him a look—one that said he saw right through him. Cash ignored it.

Alle shifted awkwardly. "Thanks."

Cash sat in the chair across the room, keeping his distance. He didn't trust himself to speak without saying something he'd regret. But the silence was unbearable, and before he knew it, the words spilled out.

"You don't have to stay here all night, you know," he said, looking at Alle. "I can stay with him."

Alle frowned. "I want to be here."

"Yeah, I bet you do," Cash mumbled under his breath.

Her eyes narrowed. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Cash clenched his jaw. "Nothing."

"No, say it," she pushed.

He let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. "You really don't see it, do you?"

Alle looked confused, and Mav—though silent—watched them carefully.

Cash stood up, running a hand through his hair. "Forget it." Without another word, he turned and walked out of the room, leaving Alle and Mav in tense silence.