Page 46 of Forbidden Harvest

When we part, breathless, Jared clears his throat. “Now, enough talking. I have something special planned for today.”

“What is it?” I ask, my heart pounding in anticipation.

Jared flicks on a lamp, revealing a butane lighter, which he grabs.

“Fire play.” He flicks it on. “Ever played with fire before, baby sister?”

I stare at the lighter in Jared’s hand, my heart pounding. Memories flood my mind—memories of countless nights spent locked in the bathroom, the flame of a lighter dancing across my skin, the sharp sting of the heat, the momentary escape from the pain that consumed me.

No one ever found out about my secret coping mechanism because I was always so careful to hide the evidence, never going too far to scar permanently. But now, as Jared stands before me, the lighter in his hand, I feel broken.

“I...” My voice cracks. “I have played with fire before.”

Jared’s eyes widen. “What do you mean?”

I take a shaky breath, my eyes fixated on the lighter. “For years, I’ve been using lighters on my skin. It’s a way to cope, to escape the pain I feel inside.”

Tears well up, and I blink them away, refusing to let them fall.

“I always did it in the bathroom, where no one could see me. I was careful not to leave any permanent scars, but the pain... it helped me feel something other than the emptiness inside.”

A sob escapes my lips, and I wrap my arms around myself, feeling exposed.

Jared shifts closer, his eyes filled with concern. “Aria...” he whispers. “I had no idea.” He reaches out, his fingers brushing against my cheek, wiping away the tears.

I lean into his touch, craving the comfort he provides. “I’m sorry,” I choke out. “I never wanted anyone to know.”

Jared pulls me into his arms, holding me close. I bury my face in his chest, letting the tears flow freely. He strokes my hair, his touch gentle and soothing.

“It’s okay,” he murmurs. “You don’t have to hide anymore. I’m here for you, no matter what.”

I melt into his arms, feeling safer than I have in years. He wraps me in a hug, holding me close as if he never wants to let go.

“I promise, Aria,” he whispers, “I’ll make sure you never feel empty again.”

I cling to him tighter. Then, his voice takes on a more serious tone.

“Was it... was it because of what your dad did to you?” he asks, his voice barely audible.

I freeze, my body tensing at the mention of my father. Jared already knows the truth, the dark secret I’ve carried for so long. I nod against his chest, unable to form the words.

“Yes,” I choke out, my voice muffled against his skin.

Jared’s grip tightens, and I can feel the anger radiating off him. “God, I wish more than anything that I could murder him for you,” he growls. “I’m so fucking annoyed he’s already dead.”

His words should terrify me, but instead, they’re intoxicating. Before I can stop myself, I’m tilting my head up, capturing his lips in a passionate kiss.

Jared responds immediately, his hands tangling in my hair as he deepens the kiss. I pour all my emotions into it—my pain, my gratitude, my twisted desire. In this moment, I feel seen, understood, and wanted in a way I never have before.

I break away from Jared’s kiss, my heart pounding. His eyes search mine, filled with concern and love. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what I’m about to ask.

“Use the fire on me,” I whisper.

Jared’s brow furrows. “Aria, I... I don’t know if that’s a good idea. After what you just told me...”

I reach out, taking his hand in mine. “Please, Jared. It’s different now. This isn’t about pain or escape anymore. It’s about healing.”

He hesitates. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

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