No Prince

by Stevie J. Cole

I closed my eyes and basked in the warm safety of his embrace. “I’m gonna go to jail for something, Roe. Might as well be you.”

“I don’t like needing people. And I’m not someone for anyone to rely on. ” “Why?”

“Because people always let you down.” She hesitated for a second. “Human connection is a lie we tell ourselves we need. We don’t need anyone but ourselves, and it’s best that way.”

Her hand brushed my shoulder before her arms wrapped around my waist, her chin pressing to my shoulder. And goddamn, that broke me. I buried my face in her neck. Monroe was making herself a lifeline, and I was fucked. “That’s shit, Zepp.” “It’s just life, Monroe.”