Page 31 of Ice-Cold Truth

She winces but doesn’t pull away. “She tried to warn me off, said some horrible things about you using women, but Jack, you have to know I didn’t believe a word of it once I calmed down.”

Relief washes over me, quickly replaced by protective fury. The thought of Karina anywhere near Elyse fills me with rage. “You need to stay away from her,” I say, my voice low and intense. “That woman is unhinged. She’s capable of anything.”

Elyse nods solemnly, understanding the gravity of the situation. For a moment, we simply hold each other, drawing strength from our embrace.

Finally, I pull back, cupping her face in my hands. “Maybe it would be better if we took a step back, for your safety.” The words leave a bitter taste in my mouth, like ashes on my tongue. Every fiber of my being rebels against uttering them, but I must. Elyse’s well-being is paramount, even if it means sacrificing my own happiness.

Her olive eyes blaze with determination, and she shakes her head vehemently. “I’m not going anywhere.” Her voice is firm.

“Elyse, you don’t understand. Karina is unhinged. She’s capable of anything when it comes to sabotaging my relationships.”

She crosses her arms defiantly. “So…what? You expect me to just walk away because of some jealous ex-girlfriend’s threats?” She scoffs. “Not a chance.”

I grip her shoulders, my fingers digging in a little too tightly. “This isn’t a joke, Elyse. Karina is dangerous. She stalked me for years after our breakup, harassing any woman who got close to me.”

Elyse’s expression softens, and she reaches up to cup my face. “I’m not afraid of her. We can handle this together.”

I want to believe her words, to draw strength from her, but the memories of Karina’s twisted obsession still haunt me, casting a dark shadow over my newfound happiness with Elyse.

Pulling away, I pace the room, my mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. “You don’t know what she’s capable of,” I mutter, more to myself than to Elyse.

“Then tell me.” Her voice is gentle, coaxing. “Help me understand.”

I pause, considering her request. Perhaps it’s time to shed light on the demons that have plagued me for so long.

With a weary sigh, I sink onto the couch, gesturing for Elyse to join me. She settles beside me, her warm presence offering solace.

“You know how it ended—with me finding her in bed with a teammate, but there’s a lot of crazy before that. She followed me and accused me of infidelity at every turn. She went through my things, and weeks after we broke up, a P.I. I hired found tracking devices on my car, listening devices in my house, and even an RFID chip sewn into my duffel bag. I couldn’t prove she’d donethat, of course.” “She became obsessed, stalking me, showing up at my apartment, my practices, and my games. She even confronted women she thought I was interested in, making wild accusations and threats.”

Elyse reaches out, her fingers intertwining with mine in a comforting gesture.

“It went on for years, Elyse. Every time I thought I was finally free of her, she’d resurface, more unhinged than ever.” I squeeze her hand, drawing strength from her touch. “That’s why I’ve been so hesitant to get involved with anyone else. The thought of putting another woman through that kind of torment was unbearable.”

Silence stretches between us, heavy with the weight of my confession. Her eyes shimmer with unshed tears, and she shifts closer, wrapping her arms around me in a tender embrace.

“Jack, I’m so sorry you had to go through that, but you can’t let Karina’s actions dictate your life forever. You deserve to be happy, and I’m not going to let her scare me away.”

I hold her tightly, savoring the warmth and solidity of her body against mine. “I can’t lose you, Elyse,” I whisper. “If anything happened to you because of me…” I square my shoulders. “No, it’s best if the world thinks we aren’t together anymore.”

She grabs my hands, holding them firmly. “We can fight Karina. I’m not scared of your stalker ex.”

I pull my hands away, frustration bubbling over. “It’s not just about being scared. You don’t know what she’s capable of. She’s obsessed, Elyse. She won’t stop until she’s destroyed everything.”

Elyse steps closer. “Then we deal with her. Together.”

I step back, my frustration boiling over. “No. You’re not listening. This isn’t just about us. It’s about survival, and if that means letting the world think we’re not together, then so be it.”

She flinches, her eyes filling with hurt. “You’re breaking up with me, just like that?”

I force myself to stay strong, even as my heart breaks. “If that’s what it takes to keep you safe, then yes.”

Elyse’s shoulders slump, and for a moment, she looks as if she’s been struck. “I thought you were stronger than this, Jack. I thought we were stronger.”

I clench my jaw, my voice turning cold. “It’s not about strength. It’s about making sure you have a future, even if it means I’m not in it.”

She shakes her head, tears spilling down her cheeks. “I don’t want a future without you.”

I grit my teeth, my heart aching. “You might not have a choice.”

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