Page 20 of Jagged Burn
I kiss her again, slower this time, not fire but embers, glowing steadily.Every touch feels like a vow I never thought I’d make.I’ll protect her.I’ll fight for her.I’ll burn down the world before I let anyone hurt her again.
When we break apart, she sighs contentedly, curling back into me.“You know what’s funny?”
“What?”
“I used to picture this when I was a teenager.Sneaking into your room, throwing myself at you, swearing I’d never love anyone else.I thought it was just a dumb crush.But it never went away.”
My throat tightens.“Why didn’t you say anything?”
“Because you were Matt’s best friend.And because I thought you’d laugh at me.”
“Annie.”I tip her chin up, forcing her to see the truth in my eyes.“I’ve never laughed at you.Not once.”
She smiles softly, brushing her thumb over the jagged skin of my cheek.“I know that now.”
The weight in my chest loosens a little.Not gone, but lighter.We lie there in silence, her heartbeat steady against mine.My mind wants to race, to sabotage, to remind me that peace doesn’t last.But I force myself to stay here, in this moment, with her.
Because if this is all I get, I’ll take it.And if I get more, if she really means forever, then maybe, just maybe, I’m allowed to hope.
Chapter Twelve
Into The Flames
Anna Alexander
The day starts deceptively calm.
Stefan insisted on making breakfast, which turned into him swearing at the frying pan while I laughed until my stomach hurt.Then we walked down to the beach, barefoot, hand in hand, like a real couple who didn’t have shadows chasing them.
For a few sweet hours, it feels normal.Safe.But safety, I’ve learned, is fragile.And today it shatters.Violently.
When we get back to the house, Stefan’s pager goes off.He curses under his breath.“The station needs me.There’s a small grass fire outside of town.I shouldn’t be gone long.”
My chest tightens.“Go.I’ll be fine.”
His eyes darken, searching mine like he doesn’t believe it.Finally, he leans down, pressing a hard kiss to my mouth.“Lock the door.Don’t open it for anyone.I mean it, Anna.”
