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“Yes,” he replied, steady, unapologetic.

“You’ve been tracking me this whole time?” My voice trembled.

“Of course.”

“I trusted you.” I whispered.

“I protected you.” he countered.

“No.” I snapped, anger flaring hot and sharp. “You controlled me.”

A beat of silence, “...Would you rather I didn’t?”

My head spun.

“And that ring? I forced it off my mother’s burnt finger.”

My heart stopped. “Burnt... finger?”

“She was burned alive.” His voice was eerily calm, but I could hear the weight of grief beneath it. “And my ex-lover? She died trying to save her.”

I gripped the phone tighter, my throat thick with emotion. “Gleb... that’s horrible. I had no idea.”

“I haven’t touched you because I made a promise. My ex-lover’s dying words were for me to mourn her for five years before moving on.”

“And you’re honoring that promise.” I whispered.

“Yes.” He paused. “But I hate myself for it. Because sometimes, Anna, I want to break it.”

My heart skipped a beat. “...with me?”

“Yes.” His voice turned raw. “You think I don’t want you? I want you so much it fucking hurts.”

“Then why hold back?” My voice faltered, tears threatening to spill.

“Because if I let myself have you, I won’t stop. And I’m afraid of what that means... for you... for me...” His words trailed off and painful silence settled between us.

A sudden knock startled me.

“Anna, it’s me. Stefano.”

My heart slammed against my ribs. “Talk later, Gleb.”

“Who the fuck is Stefano?”

“Gleb, I have to go.” I hung up quickly, pushing off the bed.

I inhaled deeply and went to the door, opening it just a crack.

“Hey.”

Stefano smiled, hands in his pockets. “You don’t want me in?”

“I didn’t invite you.”

He placed a hand on his chest, feigning hurt. “Ouch.”

“I didn’t mean it that way. I’m just... not used to unexpected visitors.”