Page 275 of Shifting Hearts 1
Silence fell.
“Did you love him?”
“Stop asking me these questions, please.”
“Did you know my mom and dad?”
She nodded.
He chuckled and shook his head.
They spoke about other things before heading back to the apartment. Over the next few weeks, I watched her grow closer to him. Jess stayed with them intermittently, and I prayed he wouldn’t kiss Morgan. He didn’t.
“You remind me a lot of him,” she said one night. Jess spit out his drink.
“Who? Uncle Jace.”
She laughed, nodding.
Jess stared at her, wide-eyed. “I take it this witch changed his personality too.”
“Must be. Please don’t tell Em that I know him.”
“I won’t.”
“Thanks.”
They moved on to other topics, and I still had no clue how I felt about Morgan growing closer to Jess. He left eventually, returning at intervals. The days dragged, and I hated every second, desperate to wake up from this slow-moving nightmare.
Then, out of nowhere, Em exclaimed: “Christmas in Russia.”
THANK YOU!
I had waited years for this moment, and I could hardly believe it had finally arrived.
***
Saying the days dragged was an understatement. Morgan wanted to cancel more times than I could count, pull out completely. She even got texts from Jesse asking what she was going to do.
Another month passed before they finally boarded the plane. I could hardly wait for this to be over, to have her in my arms, to just be with her again. Watching her arrive in Russia, Jesse asking the same questions, I laughed quietly to myself, ready to move forward, ready to embrace life again.
Everything passed in a blur as we reached the house. I hated how at ease Jesse seemed with her. That boy was crushing hard on his aunt, and he was going to learn the hard way. I was sure Annie had told him, after Gabby revealed who she really was.
The tension was exhausting, but crucial. I needed to see everything from all angles. Now, all that remained was waiting for the moment I’d finally see her again.
Life slowly crept back in. I felt stiff, my back aching as I got up. Food was nearby, and I had no idea what day it was, but I was starving. I ate like I hadn’t eaten in weeks, wincing as a sudden pain flared in my back.
The door opened, and by the scent, I knew Dom was lingering.
“You’re awake.”
Silence.
“Jace.”
“Yeah,” I mumbled, shoving another bite in my mouth.
“How was it?”
