Page 106 of Cruel Promise

That’s how Jason and I end up at a small café near campus, coffee cups in our hands. It seems Jason finally got that coffee date he’d been asking for all those months ago.

“I just miss her so much.”

“I bet. I know you two were close. Does your husband know? I bet he doesn’t know you as well as I do.”

“Don’t talk about my husband, Jason. You don’t know everything.” I pause. “Well, you do know, but you refused to listen.”

“I don’t want to fight.”

I sigh and take a sip of my coffee. “Fine. I don’t want, too, either. I just need to talk about it. I just need to know my mom will be found someday.”

“Maybe I can help.”

“How can you help?”

“My dad is a cop. He could ask around. Look into the case. You did file a missing person’s report about this, right?”

“No. Because I was busy getting kidnapped the night she died. When I came back a week later, her body was gone. I haven’t filed a report.”

“Why not?”

“Because …”Because the world I’m involved in now is a dangerous one. I don’t think Nik would appreciate the cops getting involved when it comes to something concerning me. Besides, I might get into trouble for not reporting a murder sooner. Just like Jason, I doubt many cops would believe my story of my forced marriage to Nik. It sounds too crazy to be real.

“Because?”

“I just didn’t. And don’t tell your dad. I’ll solve this case myself.”

He reaches across the table and grabs my hand. I try to pull back, but he doesn’t let go. “I’m here for you, you know.”

“Why? My husband punched you in the face. Why would you want to help me?”

“Because I don’t care about him, Ava. I’ve only ever cared about you.”

I rip my hand away from his. “Jason, do you seriously think something will ever happen between us?”

“Yes. Because we’re meant to be together, Ava. You’re not meant to be with that Chad. You could leave him. Be with me.”

I can’t help it. I laugh. It’s a harsh, nippy sound. “Jason, I can’t leave Nikolai. That’s not happening.”

“Because he’s abusive?”

“Because I don’t want to leave him,” I say slowly, realizing how true that is.

The anger that crosses Jason’s face makes me shiver. Never have I seen him look so upset.

“Ava,” he hisses, grabbing my hand again. “Think about how good we’d be together. Come on. I’m begging here.”

A dark shadow falls over the table.

I can feelhispresence without even looking up.

“Let her go,” Nik growls.

Jason takes one look at my husband and releases my hand. “I’m?—”

“Sorry?” Nik grabs Jason by the shirt and slams him against the wall. The other café-goers stare in shock. “You have no right to touch her.”

“I’m sorry, man, I truly am.”

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