Page 60 of Forbidden Harvest

A cruel smile curves my lips as I approach her, my body radiating menace. “You think you know what’s best for Aria, but you’re wrong. I’m the only one who truly understands her.”

Lisa shrinks back. “You’re delusional! You’ve brainwashed her into thinking this is okay!”

Rage surges through me, and before I can stop myself, I grab her throat in a viselike grip.

Lisa’s eyes widen in terror as I yank her close, my face mere inches from hers.

“Jared, stop!” Aria’s voice cuts through the haze of fury, and I freeze, my grip on Lisa’s throat slackening.

Aria steps between us, placing her hands against my chest. “Don’t hurt her,” she pleads. “Please, Jared. She’s my best friend.”

I gaze down at Aria, and a wave of tenderness washes over me, tempering the rage.

Stepping closer, I pull Aria into my embrace. “Anything for you,” I murmur.

Lisa gasps for air, rubbing her throat. “You’re both sick,” she chokes out. “Completely deranged.”

I shoot her a warning glare.

Aria tenses in my arms, sensing my rage returning.

“Lisa, please...” she begins. “Just go. I’ll talk to you later, I promise.”

Lisa looks as though she might protest, but something in Aria’s expression gives her pause. She turns and flees from the room with one last haunted look at us.

Alone, I tighten my grip on her. “You’re mine, Aria.” I nip her earlobe, trailing kisses along her neck.

She shivers in my arms, a sound of submission escaping her throat. “Yours, now and forever.”

The bond between us is unbreakable. Together, we will navigate this dangerous path and defy all who tell us we’re wrong. Lisa is acting like we’re blood siblings. We may have grown up together since we were younger, but there’s nothing illegal about what we’re doing.

No matter the consequences, I will keep her close, protecting what’s mine.

My sweet Aria, mine forever.

33

ARIA

Ijolt awake, heart pounding, as raised voices echo through the house. Scrambling out of bed, I pull on a robe and rush downstairs, tension crackling like an impending storm.

“How could you let this happen?” Mom’s voice, laced with fury and disbelief, cuts through the silence. “She’s just a child!”

I falter as I enter the living room, my parents’ enraged faces turning to me. Their eyes bore into me, a mixture of anger and disappointment etched in their features. Jared’s absence makes my heart sink.

“Aria...” My stepdad’s voice is strained, his eyes pleading. “We know about your... relationship with Jared.”

The words hit me like a slap. I stagger backward, my hand flying to my mouth to stifle a gasp. My mind reels, trying to make sense of it all.

Lisa.

She betrayed me.

Memories flash—late-night conversations, shared secrets—all shattered like broken glass. I trusted her with my heart, and she used it against me.

“He was grooming you, sweetheart.” Mom’s words are gentle, but the accusation cuts deep. “We had to get him out of here, away from you. It’s for your good. The cops didn’t catch him, but they will.”

My breath catches. “You called the cops on him?” I ask, voice shaking. “He’s your son!”

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