The Single Most Hurtful Thing

"Excuse me for caring about what happens to you," Sierra said irritably in response to his declaration. "Maybe I shouldn't have bothered." 

"You shouldn't have," Nathan replied flatly. That was the whole point he was trying to make here. She never should have bothered with him at all. She should have given up the first time he tried to push her away. 

The car remained silent until they arrived in front of his apartment building. He grabbed his things out of the trunk and coolly thanked her for the ride before wishing her good luck in her endeavors and bolting into the safety of his apartment. Which wouldn't be safe for much longer. 

His emotions were running wild and, once the door was locked, he slid down against the door. As his broken heart raced, he fervently wished he had never met Sierra Nolan at all.