Page 32 of Ice-Cold Truth

Her eyes widen, shock and disbelief written all over her face. “You’re really doing this. You’re really throwing us away?”

I force myself to meet her gaze, my heart breaking with every word. “It’s for the best.” I want to take it back, but I don’t. This is the only way.

Chapter 14: Elyse

Istare at Jack, my heart shattering into a million pieces. His words cut deep, leaving me feeling lost and alone. “You really want to stop seeing each other publicly? What does that even mean?”

Jack’s jaw clenches, his eyes filled with a storm of emotions. “It means we can’t be together openly. Not for now, at least.”

“But why?” My voice cracks with the strain of holding back tears. “I thought we had something real.”

Frustration etched on his face. “We do, Elyse. Believe me, this is the last thing I want, but Karina is dangerous. If she finds out about us, there’s no telling what she might do.”

“It’s for your own protection.” Jack’s eyes plead with me to understand. “I can’t let anything happen to you because of my past mistakes.”

Anger flares within me, hot and fierce. “That’s not your decision to make, Jack. I’m not some fragile doll that needs protecting.”

He steps closer gently gripping my shoulders. “You don’t know Karina like I do. She’s unhinged. If she finds out about us, she’ll stop at nothing to make our lives a living hell.”

I pull away from his touch, my heart racing. “So that’s it? We just…end things before they’ve even begun?”

Jack’s expression crumbles, and for a moment, I see the depth of his pain. “I don’t want to end this, but I have to put your safety first, even if it means sacrificing my own happiness.”

“And mine too, in spite of what I want?” Tears stream down my cheeks as I struggle to process his words. Part of me wants to fight, to demand that we face this together, but a larger part is terrified—not of Karina, but of losing Jack entirely. “I need…I need some time,” I manage to choke out. “To think about all this.”

He nods, his eyes glistening. “Take all the time you need.”

With those parting words, he turns and walks away, leaving me alone with my shattered dreams and a heart that feels like it’s been ripped from my chest.

***

The following couple of days pass in a blur of confusion and heartache. I go through the motions at work, my mind constantly replaying Jack’s words. Dervin Kobin notices my distraction and pulls me aside.

“Miss Masterson, you’re not focused,” he admonishes. “If this case is too much for you, say the word, and I’ll reassign you.”

I shake my head, determination settling in my bones. I’m glad I’ve been delaying speaking to him about this case being a conflict of interest for me. I need something upon which to focus. “No, sir. I can handle this.”

Kobin arches an eyebrow, studying me intently. “Are you sure? This is a high-stakes case, and we can’t afford any slip-ups.”

“I’m sure,” I say steadily. “In fact, I think it’s time I dug a little deeper into Coach Matthews’ activities.”

Kobin’s lips curve into a satisfied smile. “That’s what I like to hear. Keep me updated on your progress.”

***

Sam is pouring coffee when I join him. “Morning,” I say cheerily, though I’m still feeling sour about the confrontation with Jack, and that we’ve been avoiding each other for two days. “I have a meeting this morning, so can I borrow your car?”

He frowns. “You want me to let you drive the BMW?”

I nod, grinning as I pour myself a cup. “Why not? I’m a good driver.”

He seems to be looking for an excuse to say no. His face lights up. “How would I get to work?”

I already have that answer. “I’ll drop you off and promise to come back to pick you up whenever you’re finished. Or you could ride home with Jack.” It hurts to say his name.

He frowns as he considers my request. “I don’t know, Elyse. That’s a pretty sweet ride.”

I roll my eyes playfully. “Come on, it’s me. When have I ever mistreated a car?”

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