Page 83 of Entwined Hearts

They’re standing close together. Too close.

I want to cry out Anya’s name, but it’s like my throat is locked. What is going on? Panic dumps into my bloodstream as I watch Jake lean in toward her.

And then my world shatters to pieces as I watch them kiss.

Twenty-Four

Colby

Istop dead in my tracks. A powerful rage thunders through me. Someone says her name. I realize it’s my voice, only it doesn’t sound like mine.

She jumps back. “Colby?” Her voice is high with surprise.

I race forward, fists clenched. “What the hell is going on?” I ask, my gaze darting from Anya’s worried face to Jake’s smirk. Do I see a flash of victory in his eyes?

“What are you doing here?” Anya asks, looking between Jake and me, confused.

“The rockfall,” I say. “I couldn’t stand it any longer.”

Anya hugs herself, her head falling forward. “That’s all?” she says softly.

I take a moment to understand what she’s asking, but I can’t go there. Not now. “I’m glad you’re okay,” I say with effort.

“It’s been a long day. We should get going,” Jake says. I see the rope is still attached to the anchor, though they’ve both untied. Anya’s barefoot; Jake still wears his harness.

I step close to Anya, my heart hammering. “Not until you explain what I saw.”

“You know exactly what you saw,” Jake says.

I face him. “You’re such an asshole.”

He laughs, and there’s a bitter edge to it that makes my hackles rise. “At least I’m here. Where have you been?”

Before I can stop myself, my fist slams into his face. My knuckles crack like gunshot against his cheekbone.

Next to me, Anya screams. Jake staggers back and grabs his jaw. He winces, his eyes filling with hatred.

“Stop!” Anya demands, her face tense. “This is ridiculous. Both of you. Let’s just go, and we can sort this all out later.”

I glare at Jake. “There’s nothingtosort.” Then, I turn to Anya. “Looks like you’ve made your choice.” Something inside me hardens. “And I’ve made mine.”

Her eyes look anguished. “Colby, no,” she pleads, shaking her head violently. “Don’t do this. Let me explain.”

Movement flashes from my left. Jake’s palms slam into my chest, shoving me back. I stumble, my feet slipping in Kabir’s too-big shoes. Anya reaches for me, but there’s a flake of uneven rock next to her, barely visible in the darkness, and her foot catches it.

As if in slow motion, I watch her body tilt, airborne, as she flies toward the edge.

“No!” I shout.

Anya lands on her back, then tumbles down the slope. She screams, her hands and feet scrambling for purchase, and then she disappears.

I regain my footing and race after her. “Anya!”

No, no, no, I think as I reach the edge of the cliff.

“Help me!” Anya cries from just out of sight. Her desperate voice claws at my heart.

My purpose sharpens. I race back up to the anchor and to where a stunned Jake stands.

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