“Jethro...it’s too late already. I’m meant to stay. With you.”
“She’s right, Kite. Tell the police to leave. Find a way,” Jasmine said.
I looked at Jethro’s sister in her navy wool dress and white pashmina in her lap. Her face was pinched and full of concern. What did she know? Why was she fighting on my side?
Cut slammed his fist onto the table with a resounding thump. “Get your hands off my son and get the fuck out!”
Jethro's face darkened. His gaze sent a brutally painful message.
Leave...at least one of us will be free.
My body wound tighter and tighter.
Tears clogged my throat. “I can’t. I won’t.”
I won’t be free without you.
Cut suddenly barked, “Daniel, seeing as Ms. Weaver refuses to leave, escort her off the premises.”
Daniel chuckled, his eyes glittering as he moved quickly around the table. “With pleasure, Pop.”
“Stop! All of you!” Jasmine shouted, but it didn’t do any good.
In a flash, Daniel grabbed my elbow, hauling me away from Jethro, from our bond, from the only existence I ever wanted.
“No!”
Daniel’s voice licked into my ear. “Fight me and I’ll do something un-fucking-forgivable. Do you want me to do that?”
I tried to stomp on his foot. “You’re a bastard.”
“Thanks for the compliment.”
Jethro lunged, grabbing me and punching Daniel in the jaw. “Get your fucking hands off her.” Whipping me behind his body, he glowered at Cut. “I’ll get rid of her.”
Cut breathed hard. “Good. Then I can deal with you.”
Jethro jolted, every inch tight and breaking.
Without a word, he dragged me toward the exit. He trembled as if he’d shatter at any moment, buckling under the weight.
I squirmed, fighting my aching body. “Let me go! I’m not going anywhere.”
“You’re leaving. If it’s the last thing I do, at least I can keep you safe.”
I struggled harder. “Safe? I don’t want to be safe. I want to be with you.”
“Quiet,” he choked, his face ashen. “It’s better this way.”
“You’re choosing them over me!” I tried to punch him. “Stand up to them. Leave with me. Don’t stay here, Jethro.”
He clenched his jaw and didn’t reply.
He wasn’t strong enough to fight for what we had.
He’s choosing his family over me.
I rolled my arm, twisting out of his hold. Scurrying from his hands, I turned to face Cut. “I don’t know what power you hold over him, but it isn’t enough. He’s mine, not yours.”
