Leave–2
“That.” I gesture vaguely at him, avoiding his gaze.
He lifts an eyebrow.
“Staring at me like that. Like you’re trying to figure me out or something.”
His jaw tightens, but he doesn’t look away. “Maybe I am.”
The weight of his gaze is unbearable, and I feel heat creeping up my neck. “Well, don’t.”
He leans back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Why are you so worked up?”
I snap. “What the fuck?”
He shrugs. He infuriates me more than Zaid, which surprises me, considering how many times I’ve pictured myself stabbing him.
“Did you know?” I whisper, more vulnerable now.
Jake’s brow furrows. “Know what?”
I chuckle incredulously. “You know what I’m talking about.”
His eyes darken, and I see his nostrils flare slightly.
“Did you know she was my mother?”
He looks me up and down, dropping his arms from his chest to lean closer. “I already said
no.”
“And I don’t believe you,” I blurt.
He swallows thickly.
“Did you go after her? Knowing she was my mother?”
He presses his lips together. “I went to your house, looking for you.”
My heart hammers in my chest, breath escaping my lungs like I’m allergic to it.
1/3
Leave–2
“Your mother was home instead.”
My mouth runs dry. “You didn’t think for one second how weird this would be for me?”
He frowns, and for a moment, I think he might explode. “Maybe just as weird as it is for me seeing you with Aiden.”
“I didn’t know he was your son.‘
“You think I planned this?” His voice is low, dangerous. “You think I wanted this?”
“I don’t know what you wanted, Jake. All I know is that it’s messed up. Everything about this is messed up. And I mean, you guys aren’t even in love. Do you have to get married to her?”
His hands clench into fists on the table. “If it’s the only way I’ll get to see you, then yes.”
The world spins and I scoot down the booth to leave. But before I can, Jake is right there scooting in to block me in.
“What are you doing?” I whisper, pushing against his chest.
“Don’t leave.”
I feel the tears in my eyes, but I force myself to look at him. “You just told me you’re marrying my mother to be with me.”
He sighs, running his hand down his face and shaking his head. “That came out wrong.”
“Don’t,” I snap, cutting him off. “Don’t try to justify it. I don’t care.”
The server arrives with our drinks, her cheerful demeanor an unwelcome interruption. I quickly grab my cup and sip my water, trying to calm down, but my chest feels tight, my stomach still twisting painfully.
Jake tells the server we need a few more minutes and then he turns those eyes on me. They watch me, soft and beautiful. They’re dark, like Zaid’s, and that makes my stomach
turn.
Jake’s voice softens. “I don’t mean to hurt you.”
2/3
Leave 2
1 look up at him, his dark eyes filled with something I can’t quite place. Regret, maybe.
“Then don’t get married to my mother,” I whisper.
The silence between us stretches, heavy and suffocating. Jake leans back, rubbing a hand
over his face.
“Leave Aiden,” he breathes.
Sourness pools in my stomach, and I shake my head. “That’s not even remotely the same
thing.”
He grips my chin, turning my gaze to him. “We can leave. We can move across the country. Hell, we can move countries.”
I look at him, my heart pounding. There’s a little voice in my head telling me to say yes. Telling me to drop everything that seems right, so that I can do what I want.
I cup the side of his face, the urge to kiss him burning through me. “I can’t.”
He pulls away from my touch. “Then the wedding is happening.”
He takes a sip of his water, and we eat our food in silence.
