Page 107 of Sweet Deception
“Yes,” he replied, steady, unapologetic.
“You’ve been tracking me this whole time?” My voice trembled.
“Of course.”
“I trusted you.” I whispered.
“I protected you.” he countered.
“No.” I snapped, anger flaring hot and sharp. “You controlled me.”
A beat of silence, “...Would you rather I didn’t?”
My head spun.
“And that ring? I forced it off my mother’s burnt finger.”
My heart stopped. “Burnt... finger?”
“She was burned alive.” His voice was eerily calm, but I could hear the weight of grief beneath it. “And my ex-lover? She died trying to save her.”
I gripped the phone tighter, my throat thick with emotion. “Gleb... that’s horrible. I had no idea.”
“I haven’t touched you because I made a promise. My ex-lover’s dying words were for me to mourn her for five years before moving on.”
“And you’re honoring that promise.” I whispered.
“Yes.” He paused. “But I hate myself for it. Because sometimes, Anna, I want to break it.”
My heart skipped a beat. “...with me?”
“Yes.” His voice turned raw. “You think I don’t want you? I want you so much it fucking hurts.”
“Then why hold back?” My voice faltered, tears threatening to spill.
“Because if I let myself have you, I won’t stop. And I’m afraid of what that means... for you... for me...” His words trailed off and painful silence settled between us.
A sudden knock startled me.
“Anna, it’s me. Stefano.”
My heart slammed against my ribs. “Talk later, Gleb.”
“Who the fuck is Stefano?”
“Gleb, I have to go.” I hung up quickly, pushing off the bed.
I inhaled deeply and went to the door, opening it just a crack.
“Hey.”
Stefano smiled, hands in his pockets. “You don’t want me in?”
“I didn’t invite you.”
He placed a hand on his chest, feigning hurt. “Ouch.”
“I didn’t mean it that way. I’m just... not used to unexpected visitors.”
