Page 38 of Jetmir

“Don’t what?”

“Don’t pretend like you don’t feel this between us. It’s been there all along and it’s not going anywhere.”

I scoffed, feigning indifference. “Whatever feelings I had for you are gone. Just like Gabriel’s vision.”

His eyes closed for one second, and when they opened again, there was resolution in them that was terrifying.

“You can start over. You can run. You can pretend to move on, but you’ll never be rid of me. You can’t stop thinking about me, just as I cannot stop loving you. You’re my past, present, and future.”

My lips trembled as I uttered, “You’re not my present. You’re not my future, Jetmir.” My voice trembled and my hands shook as I said the next words. “I’ve given you enough, but it clearly wasn't enough. Now, please… I’m begging you to have mercy and let me go.”

Because I wasn’t strong enough not to fall into his web again. I needed him to keep his distance. I wanted not to see him so I could maybe one day get over him.

The resentment flickered in his eyes. The yearning. The hurt. And fuck, I felt it all myself.

I remained strong, at least for now.

“Never,” Jetmir vowed. That single word held so much power and resentment, I found myself rearing back. “I've been patient. I’ve waited. I’ve tried to talk to you,” he continued in a hoarse voice. “Remember that when this all goes to hell.”

I frowned, watching the rain roll off his jaw while my throat tightened. His eyes were locked on me while they burned hotter than fires of hell before he turned around, leaving me standing on the wet concrete.

And somehow… I’d never been more terrified. Of him and my own self.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

ANYA

We were in Chester on the Connecticut River at the exclusive restaurant while watching old-school car ferries travel across the river.

The restaurant buzzed softly around us—glasses clinking, soft music, quiet conversations blending with the scent of grilled herbs, butter, and fresh bread. I still couldn’t believe he was able to get us a table. The waitlist tended to be as long as airport lines on a holiday and took planning a year in advance.

Across the table, Jetmir smiled every time our eyes met, and I couldn’t stop smiling back.

“I’ve never heard a woman scream so loud,” Jetmir remarked, referring to our earlier jump. “I’m pretty sure it damaged my hearing a bit.”

“Yeah, right. I bet you make women scream all the time.”

“Usually in the bedroom.”

“TMI, Thorne.” I rolled my eyes, feeling a blush creep up my neck. I had no doubt women fell all over themselves to get into bed with him. “Anyway, listening to people scream is probably in your job description.”

My muscles still hummed from the skydive, and every now and then I could almost feel the phantom rush of wind against my face again.

“I have a confession to make, Anya.” I raised my eyebrow, waiting. “Skydiving is my passion, but usually I do it alone.”

My brows furrowed. “You do?”

“Yes. You’re my first partner.”

“Oh, how come?”

He shrugged. “I guess I was a virgin waiting for the right person.”

It was impossible to smother a smile on my face. “Damn, Thorne. You’re a smooth talker.”

“Only with you.”

I waved my hand, not willing to entertain him further with his flirtatiousness. “What I meant is how come you were there as an instructor?”