Page 21 of Shifting Desire
“You chose that for me?”she demands, her voice sharp.“You decided I didn’t get to feel it?”
“I did it to protect you.”The words sound weak even to my ears, but it is true.
“Bullshit.”Her hands tremble.“You did it because it was easier.Because it lets you stay close without having to deal with the consequences.You took my choice.You manipulated me.”
“I did.”I nod.“And I regret it every fucking day.”
Tears brim in her eyes, but they don’t fall.
“I hate you,” she whispers.
But her voice breaks.And I feel the bond flare.She doesn’t mean it.Not completely.
I step closer, slow, careful, every nerve in my body alive with fear.
“I know I don’t deserve forgiveness, and I won’t ask for it,” I say.“But I need you to know this, Ari.I have felt our mate bond every day.I have lived three years without my mate, in pain, in longing.But if I had to do it again, knowing you are safe?I wouldn’t hesitate.”
She stares at me, breath shuddering.
She slaps me, hard.My head jerks to the side.The sting blooms across my cheek.But I take it.I welcome it.Because it means she’s still here.Because it means she feels something even if it’s only anger at the moment.
When I turn back, her eyes are wild.Confused.Furious.And underneath it all, burning like a fuse, desire.
Chapter Nine
Ari
Broken Choices
My hand stings andhis cheek is red.The only thing louder than my heartbeat is the silence stretching between us.
I want to scream.
I want to cry.
I want to kiss him.
